Unlock the Magic of Printmaking: Affordable Printing Press Solutions

Who says you need a printing press to teach printmaking? Whether you’re working with a fully equipped studio or a handful of rolling pins, it’s time to introduce the magic of printmaking to your students! A printing press—whether it’s a professional model, a DIY solution, or a clever alternative—can transform your students’ artistic experience and your lesson-planning creativity.

Hear why you should add a printing press to your art studio and discover creative options for every budget!

Why should I add a printing press to my art classroom?

While many art teachers can effectively teach printmaking without a professional printing press, there are many benefits to having one in any grade-level art studio. A printing press isn’t just a fancy tool—it’s a game-changer. Take a look at Kristy Gaunt House’s elementary art room and how her students are able to whip out prints in 20 minutes!

Here are five other benefits of having a printing press in your art room:

1. Professional-Level Results
   A printing press applies even, consistent pressure, ensuring your students’ prints come out clear and polished.
2. Playful Experimentation
   Along the same lines, a printing press provides even pressure with layering, textures, and advanced inking methods.
3. Increased Print Production
   Having the right tools and equipment will speed up any artmaking process! Your students will be able to produce more prints, which helps with large classes and short periods.
4. Career Preparation
   Introduce students to tools and techniques they may encounter in a professional print production environment.
5. Cross-Curricular Goldmine
   Printmaking and learning about printing presses are a bridge to other subjects. Dive into the history of the Gutenberg press, explore the science of pressure and mechanics, play with mathematical patterns and measurements, and create visual storytelling through sequential prints.

What are my printing press options for the classroom?

No matter what your budget or space constraints are, there’s a press option for you and your students! Consider how you can provide future printmaking opportunities for your students. Explore grants and harness stakeholder relationships to bring an upgraded press to your studio—without putting a line item in your budget.

Let’s take a look at four alternative printing presses:

1. Tabletop Etching Press
   Compact and portable, these presses are perfect for classrooms with limited space. They handle small-scale projects like linoprints, monoprints, and drypoint etching. They are best for high school students ready for advanced techniques.
2. Relief Printing Press
   Explicitly designed for block printing, these presses make linoprints, woodcuts, and collagraphs a breeze. They’re easy to use and require minimal setup. They’re best for any grade level to explore bold and expressive prints.
3. Hand Crank Press
   Try a DIY press kit or build your own. These options provide hands-on learning opportunities with mechanical processes. This option is best for classrooms on a tight budget or with students curious about engineering.
4. Screen Printing Press
   Ideal for textile art, a screen printing press lets students design and create shirts, posters, and more. It’s an exciting way to introduce layering, color mixing, and design thinking. They are best for secondary students interested in commercial and graphic design.

What are creative alternatives that don’t involve a traditional press?

If a printing press is still not in the cards, no worries! There are several hacks using tools you already have that simulate the effect of a press. Many art teachers create phenomenal prints with their students—and without fancy equipment.

Here are six hacks to replace a printing press:

1. Rolling Pins
   Clean the clay mud off your rolling pins and pull them out for your next printmaking unit. Roll over the back of your print for consistent pressure.
2. Wooden Spoons
   The next time you’re at the thrift store, grab a bunch of large wooden spoons. Rub the back of your paper firmly with the bottom of your spoon for small-scale prints.
3. Heavy Books
   Put those dusty textbooks back to use. Stack them over your inked plate and paper overnight for simple yet effective results.
4. Hands
   The best artmaking tool is an artist’s hands! Apply pressure by rubbing with the palm of your hands as evenly as possible.
5. Clean Brayer
   Use a clean brayer to roll over the back of your paper to catch the ink. Just be sure to clearly mark which brayers are for inking and which are for transferring.
6. Barens
   These are circular tools with a handle, specifically designed to apply even pressure to transfer ink from the block to the paper.

Adding a printing press—or a creative alternative—will take your art room to new heights. Whether students are carving linoleum, experimenting with layers, or rolling ink onto foam, they’ll walk away with a greater understanding of printmaking and a massive sense of accomplishment. Search and apply for grants to purchase a professional-grade printing press to provide your students with an incredible printmaking experience! Try a smaller-scale model like a tabletop press or a DIY option to take your processes to the next level. Bring everyday materials to the table for your students to discover the joy of printmaking. Roll up your sleeves, print on, and press forward!

For more printmaking resources, dive into the following:

• Elementary Printmaking Hacks with Renae Greene (Ep. 26)
• Elementary Printmaking with Simple Materials Pack in PRO Learning
• Explorations in Printmaking Lesson in FLEX Curriculum
• Ask the Experts, Episode Four: Printmaking

How can access to printmaking tools like a printing press inspire students to explore potential careers in the arts, design, or engineering?

To chat about printmaking with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!