Even with low tech printmaking processes, the resulting impression varies quite a bit.
I have been playing with soft plate relief prints and the process of making a mark is much slower that gelatin printmaking, but the style of print cannot be attained with the gel print process.
The gray and black images above are relief prints made with soft foam plates and black and sepia image is a gel print. The each have a different feel.
When I get into relief printing mode, I simply and get more graphic. Where as my gel prints can be more fluid and textural.
For me gelatin printing is fast and spontaneous. I can pull a lot prints in a short period of time. I like that!
I use trace monoprinting techniques when I want an expressive loose line drawing.
When I am trying to get flat uniform layers, I use screen printing processes.
If I want to get a detailed, fine line impression I use an emulsion style screen.
So even if you are printmaking at home without a fancy studio, it is possible to make many different kinds of prints.
The magic happens when you take some of the techniques and combine them with bookmaking, drawing or collage.
Happy printing!