Printmaking

2 lessons

Suminagashi Printing

Suminagashi is a Japanese marbling technique in which floating ink creates swirling patterns. Sumi brushes drop sumi ink onto the surface of water, where it can be manipulated until paper is placed on top to lift the ink. In this technical skills lesson, you will explore this printmaking technique and the final product that is formed.

Lesson menu

Equipment

  • Two calligraphy brushes (as seen in the video below)
  • Two cups
  • Sumi ink (found at some art stores and online)
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Thick paper
  • Water
  • A tray for the water

Japanese marbling with apartment therapy

Tips & tricks

  • The right materials make a difference. Ensure you have a tray that is large enough for your printing paper, you have the right Sumi ink, a surfactant for diffusing the ink, and tools to manipulate the ink, etc. 
  • Trial and error. Suminagashi is a simple printing technique for everyone to try, but it still may take a few tries to produce a print that you love!

You've made it to the end

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