Printing Experiments

Styrofoam Printmaking

Learning Intention

I am learning different printmaking techniques
I am learning how to create a clean print

Success Criteria

Create a clear styrofoam relief print
Use bold lines and simple shapes to show form
Produce more than 5 print to show experimentation
Annotate their work, explaining what worked and what could be improved
Handle materials safely and responsibly

Do Now: Elements of Art: Line

Heading: Elements of Art_Line

Students draw a range of lines in their sketchbook.

What is Relief Print making?

Relief printmaking is a printmaking process where the raised (relief) areas of a surface are inked and printed, while the cut-away areas do not print.

Here’s the simple way to think about it:

You carve or cut away parts of a surface
The raised parts are rolled with ink
Paper is pressed on top
The ink transfers from the raised areas onto the paper

Common relief printmaking materials:

Styrofoam / foam plates
Lino (linoleum)
Wood (woodcut)

Examples of relief printmaking:

Woodcut prints
Linocut prints
Styrofoam prints

Key idea:
What you don’t cut is what prints.

What is the Styrofoam Printmaking?

Styrofoam printmaking is a relief printing technique
Lines are pressed into the surface, not drawn on top
Ink sits on the raised areas and transfers onto paper

Demonstration:

Sketch a simple design onto styrofoam
Press lines using a pencil or wooden stick
Roll ink onto the surface
Print onto paper

Key reminder:

Keep designs simple and bold
Press firmly, but don’t rip the foam
Lines will print white, raised areas will print black

Making the Styrofoam Print

Idea Sketch (5 mins)

- Students sketch at least 2 ideas for their form print in thier sketchbooks.
- Each idea should represent a season. Think about how you can show the colours, symbols, objects, patterns, and feelings of your chosen season in your designs.
- Annotate ideas of which design you like and why
- Focus on bold shapes and clear lines
Prepare the Plate
- Show the teacher your designs and which image you have chosen to print.
- Transfer design onto styrofoam
- Press lines using a pencil or tool
Printing
- Roll ink evenly onto the plate
- Place paper on top
- Rub firmly with hands or a clean roller
- Peel carefully to reveal the print
Experimentation
- Students create multiple prints (at least 4 prints)
- Try different pressures, colours, or papers

5. Reflection & Annotation

Students annotate in their sketchbook:

What worked well?
What could be improved?
How did line and form affect the final print?

Materials Needed

Styrofoam sheets
Pencils / wooden tools
Printing ink or paint
Rollers
Paper
Aprons / table covers

For all these forms of printing you need to make sure you have enough acrylic paint on the surface of the plate.

It stops the paper sticking to your design when you are rubbing the back and that the design is evenly revealed on your printing paper.

work examples

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