Resources and FAQs

This section of my website is to answer some frequently questions. It also serves as a point of reference for my students. If your question is not answered here, please get in touch. If I feel the answer to your question will help others, I'll put my answer here.

Where do I buy my equipment from?

I buy all of my materials and equipment online from several different websites:

What materials do I use?

Lino

I have nearly always used soft cut lino or more recently Japanese Vinyl. It has a green layer on one side and blue layer on the other. When you cut into it, the green (or blue) is removed to reveal the grey underneath. I find this helpful as you can 'read' the lino easily. I buy my Japanese Vinyl either from Intaglio Printmaker, Lawrence Art Supplies or Handprinted.

Paper

Since very early on in my printmaking career I have always used Somerset Satin paper made made by St Cuthburt's Mill. I use both the 250gsm and the 300gsm weight depending on the size I am working. I buy my Somerset paper, either from Jackson's Art or Lawrence Art Supplies or John Purcell.

Ink

I have only ever used water-based inks. Schmincke is my go to brand, I am very happy with them. I buy them either from Jackson's Art or Great Art. Jackson's will send it quicker (within the UK) but you might get a better price with Great Art.

What tools and equipment do I use?

Presses

To begin with I hand burnished my prints. After a while, I bought myself the Abig Hand Printing Press from Great Art which served me well for several years. I do now also have the Abig Printing Press 500mm which I have been very happy with and has enabled me to print much bigger. I chose this press mainly because of the bed size for weight ratio - I wanted to print big, but be able to move the thing around. It was a bit of a punt, as you can see there is minimal information about it! This press is now also available from Handprinted.

Cutters/gouges

I got by with a simple Essdee, red handled lino cutting set for years before I felt the need to purchase better quality tools. I also have a cheap Abig set which I still find useful. When I did upgrade I bought myself a few Pfiel tools. I now have fifteen of them but some get a lot more use than others. I keep them sharp with a Flexcut Slip Strop which you can see here on Jackson's Art.

Barens

I used to hand burnish my big work before I got my larger press, I have a nice baren made by Speedball which has a smooth padded surface to glide over the paper and a nice wooden handle to hold. See it here on Jackson's Art.

Do you have a question, or would you like me to expand on any of these answers? Please consider joining and supporting me on Patreon. See below...

New Patreon page

I have lots more information, tips and advice I would love to share with you. Please consider supporting me on Patreon where I will be regularly writing posts and adding videos with helpful tips and advice about reduction lino and other printmaking techniques for beginners and improvers. This will also serve as on-going support for my students and I'm hoping a happy community of printmakers will develop. I often feel that students need more help after a workshop to continue their practise but feel bad about taking up more of my time by asking additional questions.
If you are able to make a small monthly contribution, this will help incentivise me to keep sharing more of my expertise and you can ask me as many questions as you like :) 
Visit my Patreon page here.