Care & use of the Printmaking press 🎨 The Makers' Space Caring for & Using the Printing Press The printing press is a beautiful piece of equipment that allows you to create stunning prints — from linocuts and etchings to collagraphs. It works by rolling your inked plate and paper through two metal rollers on a flat bed, transferring your image with gentle but powerful pressure. It’s operated by hand, and with a little know-how, it’s a joy to use!
🛠️ Before You Use the Press To keep the press in great condition and make sure everyone can enjoy it safely, we ask that all members agree to follow some simple guidelines. Most importantly: Please don’t use the press unless you’ve been shown how. If you’d like to learn how to use it: 📅 The Printmaking Group meets most Wednesdays from 11am–1pm. 👩🎨 Jenny Grenfell is happy to demonstrate the press and help you get started. 📧 To arrange a time, just email: [email protected] We love seeing the press in action — and we’re here to help you feel confident using it. Let’s take care of this wonderful resource together!
🖨️ Printing Press Guidelines – Easy, Friendly & Essential Let’s keep our beautiful press in top shape so we can all enjoy it for years to come! Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to follow:
🚫 Please Avoid:
No hard objects like metal or wood between the rollers and the press bed – this can damage the machine.
No thick or bumpy materials (like string or leaves) — the press is built for paper, cardboard, and flat plates only.
No cleaning plates on the press bed. Use the stainless steel benches by the window for cleanup.
No loose clothing, long hair, or jewelry near the rollers or crank handles — safety first!
✅ Please Do:
Keep rollers clean – use baby wipes to gently remove ink. Avoid letting ink touch the rollers.
At the end of your session:
Release pressure on the rollers (use both handles to keep them balanced).
Remove and neatly fold the blanket.
Clean all surfaces and remove any ink.
Lock the press when you’re done.
🧼 Press Care & Operation
Always remove pressure when you're finished by turning both top knobs evenly.
Lay the blanket over the roller when the press is not in use.
Set printing pressure by testing with your plate, paper, and blanket.
Use only smooth, flat materials to avoid damaging the blanket or roller.
👩🏫 Classroom/Group Use Tips:
Try to use plates of similar thickness to avoid constant adjustments.
Add packing (extra paper sheets) to fine-tune the pressure.
Always smooth out the blanket before printing.
Use 2–3 sheets of paper between your block and the blanket to protect it.
Place your registration sheet under the clear plastic on the press bed to keep everything aligned and clean.
💡 Helpful Hints:
Our press has a thick blanket – perfect for soft pressure!
For linocuts, lay 2–3 sheets of cartridge paper on top of your block before adding the blanket.
If your print looks blurry, try lightening the pressure a little.
If the bed doesn’t roll smoothly, give it a gentle push to engage it with the rollers.
If you're ever unsure or want a quick refresher on how to use the press, our friendly Printmaking Group meets Wednesdays 11am–1pm, and they'd love to help you out. Just email [email protected] to connect! Let’s keep creating — and caring for the press — together! 🎨🖼️