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[ Hamilton, ON ]

Traditional Printmaking Studio

A fully-equipped, classical studio for lithography, intaglio, relief, and letterpress — professional facilities for artists at every level.

Become a Member
01 — Technique

Lithography

Lithography is a planographic printing method that relies on the properties of water and oil not mixing. Certain parts of the surface are made receptive to ink while others reject it, with the ink transferred indirectly from a metal plate to a rubber blanket before being applied to paper.

This method allows for consistently high-quality printmaking — especially well-suited to large-scale projects that require fine detail and reliable, precise colour reproduction across many copies.

An artist uses a large roller to transfer a detailed black-and-white lithography print onto paper.

Available Equipment

  • Charles Brand lithography press (30″ × 48″ bed)
  • Large graining sink
  • Leather + composite rubber rollers
  • Limestone slabs (8″×10″ to 24″×30″)
  • Scraper bars
  • Tympan sheets
  • Levigator

Included Supplies

  • Roll-up ink
  • Carborundum (80, 100, 120, 180 + 220 grit)
  • Cheesecloth
  • Nitric + phosphoric acid
  • Gum arabic
  • Liquid asphaltum
  • Magnesium carbonate
  • Rosin + talc
  • In-house cleaning supplies

You Supply

  • Ink
  • Paper
  • Gloves
  • Apron
  • Metal plates
  • Respirator
02 — Technique

Intaglio + Relief

Two foundational, closely related methods — each offering distinct qualities. Intaglio carves a recessed design into a metal plate (etching, engraving, or drypoint); ink is worked into the lines, the surface wiped clean, and the press transfers richly detailed prints to dampened paper.

Relief works in reverse: non-image areas are carved away from wood or linoleum, ink is rolled onto the raised surface, and the image is pressed directly onto paper. Intaglio rewards technical precision with exceptional detail; relief is more approachable and delivers bold, graphic results.

A relief print with overlapping illustrations.

Available Equipment

  • Charles Brand etching press (32″ × 52″)
  • Praga etching press (30″ × 48″)
  • Heated hot plate (18″ × 24″)
  • Felt + rubber blankets
  • Stainless steel paper-soaking sink
  • Rosin box for aquatint
  • Ventilated acid room (ferric chloride + nitric acid baths)
  • Edwards Pedicut 50″ metal plate cutter
  • Assorted brayers + rollers
  • Cutting mats, rulers + tear bars
  • Light table
  • Drying boards + racks

Included Supplies

  • Hard + soft ground wax-based coating
  • Brasso metal polish
  • Asphaltum
  • Magnesium carbonate
  • Talc
  • In-house cleaning supplies

You Supply

  • Ink
  • Paper
  • Gloves
  • Apron
  • Metal plates
  • Respirator
03 — Technique

Letterpress

Also called typographic printing, letterpress is the oldest traditional method of printmaking. Ink is applied to a raised surface of type or imagery, then pressed directly onto sheets or a continuous roll of paper — the direct contact creating a crisp, tactile impression.

Ideal for type-based works like handmade limited-edition books, wedding invitations, and artisanal stationery. Its versatility and historic charm keep it a favourite among designers and printmakers alike.

The Traditional Printmaking Studio at Centre[4]Arts.

Available Equipment

  • Vandercook Universal II proof press (18″ bed)
  • Vandercook 320G proof press (20″ bed)
  • Variety of brayers + rollers
  • Lead cutters
  • Composing tools
  • Galleys
  • Type-high gauges
  • Rulers + tear bars
  • Stack paper guillotine (max cut 24″)
  • Light table
  • Drying boards + racks
  • Lockup bars, quoins + keys
  • Metal + wood type collection

Included Supplies

  • In-house cleaning supplies (solvents, alcohol, sprays, soap, paper towels)

You Supply

  • Paper
  • Ink
  • Blocks
  • Photopolymer plates
  • Aluminum mounting bases
  • Gloves
  • Apron
  • Respirator

Book The Studio

Ready to create? Reserve your studio time today. Access is available to Centre[4]Arts members who have completed a studio orientation.

Hire A Studio Technician

Learning new equipment can take a few tries to feel fully confident — that's why our studio techs are on hand with one-on-one assistance to guide you through printing techniques and processes.

You can request a technician when booking your studio time.

Book Now

Schedule Your Orientation

All members must complete a studio-specific orientation and be approved by staff before working independently. Each studio requires its own orientation.

Email print@centre4arts.com
or call (365) 378-8053
We reply within 1–2 business days.
Contact To Schedule