Printmaking Without a Press
An etching press
Want ≠ Need
Sorry, was that line too harsh? Shoot, I want a press. I’ll even take one of those plank presses redesigned by Woodzilla. Yes, I said redesigned. I am Mexican and that press is just a fancy tortillera (tortilla press)!
Fun fact this article was originally publishes on 5/9/22. Fast forwards to today I now own a Woodzilla 😉
We all envy, admire, and follow printmakers who make their press a centerpiece on their social feeds. Don't get me wrong; I will probably do the same one day too. They are, however, expensive pieces of equipment.
Provisional Press: $144 - $150
Woodzilla Press: $180 - $700
Blick Etching Press: $953 - $4,703
Conrad Etching Press: $982 - $16,138
Takach Etching Press: $4,314 - $14,338
These are eye watering prices, but do you really need it to be a printmaker? Would you want to go without extra avocado at Chipotle simply because you’re saving up for a press? No mam! This is why I bring my own avocados to Chipotle. 🌯
A press is a great tool to have but they are a huge investment. If you are not a full-time artist, I would not recommend it. Instead, invest in something more secure, like a cat they at least will make you smile.
Cheap & Efficient Alternatives
My spoon has seen it all.
A baren is the most sensible tool of all printmakers. It is something that should always be kept in your studio. Take a look at the following items that help me when working without a press:
❤ Wooden Spoon: I know what you’re thinking. A spoon? It is actually the best investment you will ever make since it is cheap, has a smooth surface, and can deliver appropriate pressure without damaging paper. I have even utilized metal spoons occasionally, but they get hot after you rub or press down really hard on them. Be sure to stick with a wooden spoon. I bought mine at the Dollar Store and have used it on every single print for three years.
😐 Speedball Baren: Okay, so I will be honest, I have worked with Speedball before and I am a loyal customer but this baren sucks. There are many things I dislike about this product. Starting off with the padding at the bottom. The padding that touches the paper is not entirely smooth and if you are rubbing down on nice delicate paper, you won't have paper for long. Speedball labels it as “almost friction-free.” Plus, this padding seems to absorb some of the pressure you exert downwards.
The ergonomics are also not there. Maybe my hands are a little too big for this handle but I always feel the plastic edges digging into my hand after a while. It’s just not a comfortable grip. In my opinion, it is not worth the $22.00 it retails plus shipping and taxes. One positive thing I can say about this baren is that I do use it when I print on fabric and have barely any issues.
A print pulled with a Speedball baren. Print was a bit salty and spotty.
🔥 Japanese Barens: I’m still new to Japanese barens, but like anything coming out of Japan, it doesn’t disappoint. I bought a new baren a few weeks ago. The simple plastic disc does a great job transferring an even amount of pressure to the paper. All of the test prints I did with it were great. One downside to this tool is that it's a little fragile. The bamboo will eventually deteriorate. It's an organic material, of course, but at $6.38, you won't feel guilty when replacing it. Alternatively, you could change the bamboo handle and not have to keep buying a new plastic disc.
You should not be limited to just those tools. I have also used encyclopedias, my body weight and even crystals to pull prints. What is your favorite tool?
