Relief printing

A flat surface such as wood or lino is gouged into by using a number of curve-bladed chisels. These tools dig into the wood or lino creating hollowed out areas or linear grooves which are lower than the surface.

With a roller, a generous layer of ink is rolled onto a glass slab and then rolled from the glass to the relief block. The roller only touches the surface of the block and avoids getting ink on the areas that have been cut away.

The relief block is placed on the press with its inked image facing upwards. Dry or dampened printmaking paper is carefully lain on top. Thin paper or card is placed on top of this to add extra pressure. By pulling a handle, a flat metal plate drops down onto the back of the print, stamping sufficient pressure and allowing the ink from the wood or lino to imprint the image onto the paper.