This Season
Tailgating
New Year, New You
Tax Time
 

How to Make a Relief or Block Print

Wood block prints are made with the relief printing process. Learn more about relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

Series Summary

Relief printing, also known as block printing, is a printing process in which ink is transfered to the printing surface from raised portions of the printing block. Wood block printing as well as letterpress and flexography are examples of this process. This process is the opposite of engraving or etching, where the areas which print are those below the block surface. The rubber stamp is a good example of relief printing. Up until the computer printing age, books and other documents containing text were printed with movable type, also a relief printing technique.

In this free relief printing lesson, a printing instructor tells you how to create your own wood or linoleum block for relief printing. He discusses how to choose and transfer a design from a photograph to a wood block. Learn advice on how to carve the wood block to get the best likeness of your photo. You will also learn which papers and inks are best for relief printing. Watch this series and create your own printmaking art!
Listing 1-15 of 15 eHow Videos
  •  Preparing Ink for Relief Printing

    Use oil-based ink for making relief prints. Learn more about inking relief prints with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Choosing Paper Type for Relief Printing

    Use acid-free paper for relief printing so it will last longer. Learn more tips for relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Tools for Creating Block for Relief Printing

    Use found objects to create interesting wood block patterns. Learn more creative tips for relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Preparing Wood Block for Relief Printing

    When creating wood printing block, use simple images which will be easy to cut. Learn more tips for creating wood and linoleum blocks for relief printing in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Carving Design Into Wood Block for Relief Printing

    Carve with the grain when creating wood block designs for relief printing. Learn more about creative relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Choosing Wood for Relief Printing

    Linoleum is easier to cut than wood, so better for printmaking beginners. Learn more about getting started with relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Types of Relief Printing

    Block printing is the easiest kind of relief printing. Learn more about different types of relief printing in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Creating Relief Printing Proof Print

    Hold paper in place with one hand during entire printing process. Learn more tips and tricks for relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Carving Techniques for Wood Block Relief Printing

    Create tonal values for wood block with different types of cuts. Learn more advanced tips for relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Applying Ink to Wood Block for Relief Printing

    Use brayer to spread ink on wood block. Learn more about the process of relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Adjusting Wood Block Design for Relief Printing

    Cutting wood block with ink still on it lets you see your cuts. Learn more about perfecting your relief prints with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Transferring Design to Wood Block for Relief Printing

    Use a light table to transfer relief printing image to wood block. Learn more tips for making wood and linoleum blocks for relief printing in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Creating Design on Block for Relief Printing

    Trace a design from a photo as pattern for relief printing block. Learn more tips for creating a wood or linoleum block for relief printing in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Using Multiple Blocks & Colors for Relief Printing

    Use different wood blocks for different colors in relief printing. Learn about adding colors when relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

  •  Preparing Paper for Relief Printing

    Cut paper larger than wood block so you can trim after printing. Learn more tips and tricks for relief printing with wood and linoleum blocks in this free printing lesson from a printmaking instructor.

About the Presenter

Patrick Miko