All about the brayer

Recently, I have been going back to the basic tool in printmaking – the brayer.

brayer types for creative printmaking

Sometimes I want a nice thin and even layer of ink. And other times I let the nature of the roller and texture of the ink be a key part of the design.

drum leaf bound book of brayered prints

In the book cover above I used a modified roller to get the textured lines. And yet I love the smooth texture of the landscape print below.

abstract landscape with brayer marks

If you are new to using a brayer and you are seeking a smooth application of ink it can be frustrating. It really does take time and practice to get the brayer to do what you want it to do.

So give yourself a break. Factors that affect a brayers release of ink on the plate:

  • Viscosity of the ink
  • Pressure of you hand
  • Speed and motion of the roll
  • Air temperature and humidity
  • Size of the roller
  • Width of the roller
  • Type of roller
  • Type of ink and type of plate

brayered print by linda germain

Have you developed your own style of using your brayer to create marks, impressions and prints?

If you need a little help choosing a brayer for gelatin printing on paper check out this blog post.

drum leaf bound books of brayered prints

I have been making so many brayered prints that I am making them into books using the drum leaf binding.

The drum leaf structure opens flat and does not require any sewing. I like to make small journals for quick sketches. And because they are easy to make the books feel less precious and I am willing to fill them with notes and sketches.handmade books by linda germain