How to use Block Printing Ink successfully

Block printing is a great introduction into printmaking and water-based block printing ink can be very versatile for more than just printing your linocuts. In this video, I show you how to choose appropriate colors, condition and roll out your ink, store your brayers and more! You can take my free class in block printing (including image transfer, carving and printing) via the School of Visual Philosophy here: www.schoolofvi...
If you'd like to purchase one of my pieces (created with the block I used in the video) visit my online store here: www.danaharris...
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[@amysnyder594]

Thank you!! This was incredibly helpful. I've been having trouble figuring out exactly how my ink was supposed to look/sound like on the palette. Your video was exactly the tutorial I needed!

[@danaharrisseeger]

You are so welcome! Glad I could help

[@yaritzaurbina6835]

Thank you for being so clear! I hope the ink knife trick helps me!

[@danaharrisseeger]

Hope so too!

[@vocalchords3609]

What a wonderful teacher - crystal clear - highly competent - engender my trust - as I learn a process which I am drawn to develop in my music & art practice. Thank you very much.

[@danaharrisseeger]

Wow, thanks so much for the great compliment! I really enjoy teaching and helping others learn from my experience without needless headaches! Anything else you want to learn? Let me know!

[@LizWilsonArt]

Thanks great explanation on basics. I’ve just started my Lino cut journey 🤗☮️

[@Respectfulcommentator]

This was very helpful, thank you Dana!

[@gobind1699]

thank you. It was nice video. very informative. do u have a video showing how to clean the lino sheet and the roller from the water based ink?

[@MyBalticHandmadeLife]

I don't have another video, but I usually use a couple baby wipes and then you can rinse with warm water and a scrubby sponge. If the linoleum is unmounted it can warp with the water, so dry it with paper towel or regular towel and then press under some books before using again.

[@margotwaterman3805]

Thank you. Clear explanation.

[@danaharrisseeger]

Thank you so much!

[@isabellec9444]

This is an absolutely fantastic video!! Thank you so much for your help!

[@danaharrisseeger]

Awesome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it

[@YooperGranny]

I really enjoyed this video and your clear instructions. I noted in the above that you had a free block printing class. I was not able to find it at that link. Did I not understand or is the class no longer available ? Thank you.

[@danaharrisseeger]

Hi Joan, I am sorry about that! I do have it, but it is on my business' channel: School of Visual Philosophy. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZDUfGSug9OAq9U Enjoy!

[@YooperGranny]

@@danaharrisseeger Thanks for the link. Just watched it.

[@johnreskusich2324]

Thank you for this fine video.

[@danaharrisseeger]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JosrRocks]

how can i do this and reduce the texture as much as possible? I am getting too much texture on my logo and i would prefer a more solid print, i'm using the same lino material.

[@danaharrisseeger]

Are you hand printing? If so, using some type of press will help. That puts more even pressure on the linoleum and paper. You can also try using a different paper with less "tooth" or texture- like a Japanese "Sumi" paper works well. Or, you can try thinning your ink slightly to make it less viscous using a modifier like ink extender.

[@KayleeBanjaGaHoole]

Hello, I have a question: do you treat lighter pigmented inks different then black inks? I’ve been struggling to get enough pigment on the block from the fluorescent speedball inks so that it’s opaque on the paper, but not adding so much that it’s filling in the block’s cracks. thank you!

[@danaharrisseeger]

Hi Kaylee, some inks are by nature more transparent, meaning that they allow more of the under layers to show through. Your fluorescent inks may be like this. I suggest adding some white to your ink to increase the opacity OR try printing two runs- one after the other one has dried so you build up the ink layers on the paper. This can be tricky without proper registration (but I have a video on that too!) Hope that helps. You can also see about finding "Opaque fluorescent block printing ink". Who knows, someone else like Jacquard or Gamblin or Cranfield Colors may make a better (thicker, more opaque) ink that works better for ya!

[@KayleeBanjaGaHoole]

@@danaharrisseeger thank you so much for your advice!! I’m going to give mixing the inks with white a try!

[@yeseniatorres41]

Lovely video and great explanation but the siren noises scared me lol I had to stop the video to see if it was you or me haha my heart skipped a beat

[@danaharrisseeger]

Oh my gosh I’m so sorry!

[@kingsgamer404]

How to dry faster ink

[@danaharrisseeger]

If you want your ink to dry faster, you can add a dryer. If it's oil based, then adding an alkyd medium will help it dry faster. There are others but they are kind of toxic. For acrylic based, putting on some more air - like hanging up with a fan on them, is key.

[@edwin_art_studio414]

That's awesome

[@danaharrisseeger]

Thanks so much!