Stencil Monoprint with Acrylic Paint and Cardboard

A demonstration of hand printing using laminated cardboard with acrylic paint to create monoprints. This technique is a fun way to print at home using common art supplies. See supplies below. Happy Printing!

Supplies:

Laminated cardboard - I used a glossy sparkling water box. A cereal box, cracker box, macaroni box will work too, as long as it has that laminated side. If it doesn’t, you can still use it, but it may warp more.

Scissors

X-acto blade - Box cutter can also work

Printing paper - I have stonehenge printmaking paper, you could also use construction paper, or anything somewhat smooth that can handle wet media. I’ll stick to white paper here, but playing with colored paper can be a lot of fun.

Foam brushes - Paint brushes would also work, but these can cover a large area fast, which is nice.

Acrylic paint - Tempera paint will also work, it’s nice to have at least a set of primary colors and black and white.

Wooden spatula or spoon - This is optional, just your hands can work great. This is to press the paper into your matrix.

Water - I’m using a clean hummus container.

A pallet - Also a hummus container, I really like hummus…

Pencils - And an eraser.

Something to cover your workstation - I’m using newsprint. Newspaper, craft paper, or paper grocery bags can work too.

Cutting mat - You can also use a piece of plywood, or anything that will keep your table from being cut.