Apply an even layer of ink to lino or another relief-printing block. The Essdee professional brayer has a ground, lightly textured EPDM rubber surface that picks up and transfers wet printing ink. Its larger circumference is useful when inking larger blocks.
Choose a width for your design
You receive one complete ink roller in your selected width: 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250 or 300 mm. A narrow roller gives more control over small areas or separate colours; a wide roller covers a larger area with each pass. The 250 and 300 mm sizes have two handles. Printing ink, ink tray and printing blocks are needed separately.
Ground rubber and a supported roller
The EPDM rubber has a medium hardness of 60 Shore. The roller circumference is 122 mm: this is the distance around the cylinder, not the selected rolling width. An aluminium core, nylon bearings, steel shaft and steel brackets support the roller. The polypropylene handles have a hanging slot and can act as a stand when the roller is placed on its back.
Build a thin layer of ink
Roll a small amount of printing ink onto a flat inking surface. Distribute the ink over both the roller and the surface, adding more gradually as needed. Then roll over the raised areas of your printing block. Make a trial print to assess the layer: too much ink can fill fine lines.
Cleaning and storage
Roll excess ink onto scrap paper. Clean water-based ink with warm water and a little washing-up liquid, rinse and drain water from the bearing ends. For oil-based ink, choose a product that can be removed without solvents. Do not use white spirit, turpentine or other solvents on the rubber. Hang the clean roller or rest it on its back with the rolling surface clear to help prevent indentations. Find suitable materials in rollers and printing tools, printmaking.
