FAQ: How to get a crisp print

how to get a clean, crisp print? Here are a few things to consider:

1- Paper:
You can get clean prints with many sorts/weights of paper, but thin papers will:

-pick up the details of the block easily
-hold on to the ink on the block better than thicker papers, and are less likely to shift during the printing process.
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(see my favourite papers on a previous video in this FAQ playlist)
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2- Ink:
The block needs to be inked correctly. No under-inking, no over-inking.
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(see previous video in this FAQ playlist- "what is the correct amount of ink?")
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3- Block/paper:
From the moment you drop the paper onto the block, they can't shift around. I always tape the lino block down so it doesn't move during the printing. Again, I use thin papers because they tend to stay in place more than heavier papers.

In addition:
If after all this you still get a print that doesn't look crisp, it could mean that you used too much pressure running it through the press. This will " squash" the block, making the details fuzzy.

If you get a "patchy" print , you probably under-inked some areas. You can carefully lift a part of the paper and re-ink those areas, while still holding the paper in place, as you can see in the video. This works better with larger prints and (again) thin papers.

I hope these little tips are helpful!

Handmade prints available at:
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Contact:
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Other prints (digital or other work) available at:
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Filming/Editing
https://www.branstonfilms.com/

Music: "Shifting Grain" by MHT

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