Water based ink VS Oil based ink.

As a person who has worked with both I have to say that overall I prefer oil... duh.  Oil based inks are bad for the environment and even worse for your lungs!  But the reality is that they are just easier to work with and provide for a far superior final product.  The water based inks tend to gum up quickly and dry way too fast for monoprinting.  I have been fairly impressed with some of the water based ink colors, though not enough to use over their oil counterparts.  Health concerns are legitimate, however, for oil based inks.  You must always use in a well ventilated area, and don't be above wearing a mask and gloves.  For some printing methods water based inks are suitable, though others require ink based inks.  Many forms of intaglio printing as well as monoprints benefit greatly from a slow drying oil based ink. 

  

Lithography.

Lithography is a very complex print style.  It is basically a form of intaglio in which a smoothed limestone block is "masked" with a wax agent which repels ink onto the paper.  This is a very lengthy process that is rarely done any longer.  However, the more modern way of doing this is done on aluminum sheets coated in a plastic which basically works in the same way.

I personally have never done this method.  I have heard through old professors that the method for smoothing the limestone by itself takes tens of hours to complete.  

It is, however one of the most durable print methods. 

Collagraphy.

Collagraphy is a really fun media.  In this printing method you can use virtually anything to create a print.  The whole concept to create a collagraph is to use a rigid support such as cardboard or wood and applying materials- anything from twigs and leaves to bottle caps and lighters to create a printable image.  In this process the key is finding similar depth items to create an even print surface, though a little character can go a long way.  

This is a fun print process, and i've done some things similar to this.  When I was younger I'd print t-shirts with dead fish or frogs and cool shit like that. 

Dry Point. 

"SELF PORTRAIT", PIOTR SZUREK

Dry point is a form of intaglio printing in which scrapes are made into a metal surface which causes ridges to be made on the surface.  These "ridges" then retain ink so when the plate is printed very fine lines are made on the paper. This process is a hard one to master.  One can use different tools to make different markings.  As seen in the print above, there are multiple techniques that may be used to create depth within a print.  The slightly grey areas were more than likely created using a metal roller, where as the darker, bolder lines were created using deep gouges.  

I have done intaglio prints and they are very easy to over work. A good tip is to always run test prints to see how the work is progressing, you can always take off from a block, but you can never add on.

Intaglio. 

"Stone Rabbits", by Ralph Slatton

Intaglio printing is based on slightly different principles than most other printing methods.  The basic concept is to etch a metal plate, then the ink is pushed into the etched areas and then excess ink is wiped away leaving ink only in the recesses.  The block is then printed under extreme pressure forcing the ink from the plate on to the paper, this also will leave permanent marks on the paper, proving it is an original print verses a computer print. 

Intaglio printing is an incredibly long process, it is also an expensive process.  However it is a very long lasting and durable form of printing. 

I have done hand etched Intaglio prints.  Using a metal scribe I scratched the surface of a piece of copper.  Using a very thick black ink, I used newspaper to rub the ink deep within the recesses.  When printing you must soak the paper before hand.  This will help to suck the ink from the thin ridges of the plate. 

Monoprints.

(Monotype)

Monoprinting is my favorite printing style.  As the name suggests, it is a style of printing which only allows for one off prints.  Though the same plate may be used to create "ghost" images or fainter (less inked) prints. 

The basic idea is to create an image on a glass or plastic plate using ink and water, one color or multiple colors. Then placing paper or cloth over the plate and using a burnisher to make the transfer permanent. You can also use a myriad of other hand tools to transfer different amounts of ink to the paper.  Using the back side of a spoon or back end of a paintbrush lines can be created in the ink. 

With all the different methods of applying ink to the plate, coupled with the different methods of transferring the ink to the paper makes monoprinting an extremely dynamic printing method.

The only downside to this style of printing would be the inability to make multiple, and consistent prints.  Though, for me, it is never about creating multiple prints, it is all about the process.  I feel that the actual creative process is what it is all about, so doing many different prints all on the fly without much preparation is a lot of fun. 

Linoleum Cuts.

(lino-cuts)

"Crystal Skull"by Ryan Jacob Smith

Linoleum cuts are an excellent medium to create incredibly crisp and dynamic prints.  Linoleum is a soft rubber-like substance which has the durability to create detail rich blocks that will withstand continual printing.  

The tools needed are simple, a roll of linoleum, and a good supply of gouges.  If you are cheap, or just poor like me, it is good to invest in a sharpening stone to extend the life of your gouges.

The great thing about lino cuts, as countless other printing methods, is the endless number of surfaces that one can print on.  Printing on cloth, paper, etc, also printing on paper and wheat pasting that shit on your local neighborhood police station.