Understanding Ink Flow in Cold Conditions(Post)
When winter hits, it’s not just our hands that feel the chill. In colder studios or early morning sheds, we start to notice our art materials behaving differently. This is especially true for fluid me
How to Choose the Right Mesh Count for Screen Printing Art(Post)
Choosing the right mesh count is one of those details in silk screen printing art that can make a big difference. For new artists or seasoned printmakers, it often comes as a surprise how strongly mes
Relief Printing Paper Prep: How Dampening Affects Ink Transfer and Detail(Post)
Unlock Sharper Relief Prints with Better Paper Prep
Relief printing can feel very unforgiving. You carve carefully, roll out smooth ink, print with care, then lift the paper and see patchy blacks, fuz
Paper Sizing - what is it all about?(Post)
Sizing in papermaking is a crucial process that influences the paper's performance and characteristics. It involves treating the paper fibres with a variety of substances to control the paper's
What Makes Etching Ink Behave Differently on Aluminium Plates(Post)
If you've worked with aluminium plates for etching, you've probably noticed that the ink can behave differently to the way it does on copper or zinc. It can feel unpredictable at times, especially whe
How Printmaking Equipment Affects Line Sharpness(Post)
Sharp lines make all the difference in printmaking. Whether it’s drypoint, etching or a linocut that relies on fine detail, the clarity of each pulled line can decide whether a print feels crisp or a
Choosing Printmaking Paper for Drypoint Printing(Post)
Drypoint printing has a soft but bold quality coming from the way the burr holds ink and leaves a raised, velvety line on printmaking paper. It is one of the more delicate intaglio techniques, and pap
Understanding Squeegee Durometer for Smooth Prints(Post)
Getting a clean, consistent print during a screen printing session often comes down to having the right tools. While most people focus on ink type or mesh size, there is another part that plays a majo
Tips for Mixing Greys Without Using Black Pigments(Post)
Some artists avoid black pigments not because they dislike them, but because they prefer a grey that feels livelier. The kind of grey that holds colour, shifts with the light, and doesn’t settle flat
Steps to Prepare Aluminium Plates for Consistent Etching Results(Post)
Aluminium etching is a familiar process in printmaking circles, but like most hands-on work, the small steps can make the biggest difference. If a plate isn’t prepped the right way, you are bound to r
Why Central Victorian Artists Prefer Heavier Papers for Etching(Post)
Across studios in Central Victoria, heavier sheets tend to rise to the top when it comes to etching. It's not just preference, it's practical. Working with printmaking paper that can hold structure un
Guide to Binding Methods for Heavy Art Journals(Post)
When you are working with thick acrylic layers, multiple glued pages, or stacked collage inserts, a regular notebook just will not hang on for long. An art journal book takes more wear and tear than m
What Mixing Surface Works Best for Transparent Acrylics(Post)
Transparent acrylics behave a bit differently than their opaque counterparts. We find they respond more sharply to the surface underneath, both during mixing and when they are applied to paper or canv
Does Online Art Supply Shipping Affect Paper Quality?(Post)
Buying art supplies online is convenient, especially when you are not right next to a specialist shop. But when your order includes delicate materials like printmaking or watercolour paper, it is fair
What Paper pH Means for Long-Term Sketchbook Storage(Post)
When we sit down with an art journal book, we’re not just thinking about today’s drawing but how it might hold up years from now. One factor that’s easy to overlook is the pH level of the paper itself
Why Bendigo Artists Seek Studio Grade Inks(Post)
As spring rolls into Central Victoria, many artists in Bendigo find themselves refreshing their routines and reaching for familiar tools with renewed purpose. For those working with ink, having the ri
Why Some Kids Craft Supplies Fall Apart in Hot Weather(Post)
Most kids can’t wait to dive into a good craft session over the summer holidays. But parents and carers often find themselves dealing with a mess that goes beyond the usual sticky fingers and glitter
A Simple Guide to Choosing Inks for Drawing Line vs Wash(Post)
Inks behave differently depending on how you use them. Some are made for sharp, clean lines that stay fixed in place. Others are better for soft washes that move with water and leave gentle shades beh
Understanding Brush Shapes for Blended Acrylic Effects(Post)
Blending acrylic paint can be a bit of a puzzle until you get the right brush in your hand. Even with solid techniques, blending often feels awkward when the brush doesn't match the job. Whether you'r
Comparing Drypoint Marks on Different Etching Papers(Post)
When we sit down with an art journal book, we’re not just thinking about today’s drawing but how it might hold up years from now. One factor that’s easy to overlook is the pH level of the paper itself