Introduction to Letterpress 3: Advanced Techniques and Press Maintenance

About this course

This workshop develops advanced letterpress practice through colour mixing, multi-colour printing and precise registration using decorative borders and metal type. Participants also learn to prepare and use photopolymer plates, create type-high printing surfaces, and plan colour sequences with grids, proofs and paste-ups. Press maintenance forms a substantial part of the course, including changing packing, adjusting roller height, caring for the composing room and troubleshooting common problems. The session also covers studio procedures for operating letterpress presses independently.

What you'll learn

• Mix colours from Pantone swatches for letterpress printing
• Plan and execute a two-colour print using overprinting, proofs and paste-ups
• Achieve accurate registration with decorative borders and metal type
• Prepare photopolymer plates and type-high printing surfaces
• Maintain presses by changing packing and checking roller height
• Troubleshoot common press problems and apply good studio practice

Is this course right for you?

This advanced workshop is intended for learners who have completed Introduction to Letterpress 1 and 2 or have equivalent experience. Participants work towards developing a print-ready type-and-image design into a small edition, and the course is particularly relevant to those considering Letterpress Certification.

• Previous letterpress study or equivalent experience is required
• Participants need to arrive with a print-ready design combining type and image
• The workshop is the final course in the three-part introductory series
• Relevant for learners planning to apply for Letterpress Certification

Before you go

• Bring a print-ready design combining type and image to develop into a small two-colour edition.