San Francisco Center for the Book

Discover how to dampen paper, use bearers, and finesse rubber-and oil-based inks on Cylinder and Jobbing Platen Presses for better ink coverage and control.

Learn the secrets to better printing through proper inking techniques. This workshop is an in-depth review of how to apply and manipulate ink on Cylinder and Jobbing Platen presses, providing tips that will help students at all levels to become more successful printers. 

The instructor will provide tips on the use of rubber- and- oil-based inks on various papers. Students will learn why and how to dampen paper for better ink coverage, why allowing ink to set gives better results, and how to use bearers for better ink control. Students will also learn how to mix ink and what kind of ink additives give more control.

This is less of a hands-on class, more of a deep dive into best practices. Be prepared to take notes!

Prerequisite: None

Materials to bring: All tools and materials will be provided.

About the Instructor: Alan Hillesheim (he/him) has been wrenching around printing presses for 35 years. Printing presses need to be moved, oiled, inked, cleaned, and maintained, in short they need attention like a six year old. Maintenance is a dirty business, but a necessary one for beautifully printed anything. Alan has a passion for the mechanics of the print studio and enjoys encouraging others to roll up their sleeves and grab a wrench. His 35 years in the letterpress business and “all-ten-fingers” count speak for themselves. Join him and wear old clothes.

Oh, and once the press is in fine order, Alan has a few secrets to divulge about perfect inking and stellar printing.