A number of printing techniques for transferring images onto fabric, paper and other surfaces.  Block printing is probably the most widely known and prints are made using a printing block, made from wood, rubber or even potato.  A simple image or pattern is sketched out onto the block and the parts of the design you don't want printed is cut away (our project Handmade Print using Speedy Stamps explains this process further). The Speedball Block Printing Inks and Deka Block Printing Inks or a thickened paint or dye can be used for this process, and the Speedball Speedy stamps offer an alternative to linoleum and wood.

Other methods of printing include the more random method of marbling; heat transfer printing using paints formulated from disperse dyes; and the fascinating light sensitive printing, cyanotype and heliographic (see also Diazo Photo Emulsion), and of course Screen Printing which is explored in its own section.  Digital image transfer from inkjet to fabric can also be explored here. Find out more about these Painting and Printing techniques from our Fact File.