How to make prints from xps foam blocks and sheets.
Making a print from an XPS foam block is a form of relief printmaking. The areas you press down (incise) will not hold ink and will appear as the paper color, while the flat surface will hold the ink and create the image.
Materials Needed
- XPS foam block (or foam printing plate)
- Dull pencil, pen, or a pointed, dull object for drawing and indenting (avoid a sharp knife for carving the image as the foam is easily indented by pressure)
- Paper (drawing paper, card stock, or sulphite paper work well)
- Water-soluble block printing ink or thick acrylic/tempera paint
- Brayer/roller or a foam paintbrush to apply ink
- Palette (a separate foam plate, old tile, or a plastic tray)
- Optional: A spoon or a clean brayer to press the print, paper towels/wipes for cleanup, and newsprint for a design draft
Instructions
- Plan your design:
- Draw your design on a piece of paper first. Keep in mind that your final print will be a mirror image of your design on the foam. If you have words, write them backwards on the paper so they print correctly.
- Tip: A simple design with clear lines works best for this technique.
- Transfer and carve the design into the foam:
- Place your paper design over the foam block and tape it in place.
- Using a dull pencil or pen, firmly trace over all the lines of your design, pressing hard enough to create deep indentations in the foam, but not so hard that you puncture all the way through.
- Remove the paper. The indented lines are your “negative space” and will appear as white (or paper color) in the print. The flat surface of the foam is the “positive space” that will be inked.
- Ink the foam block:
- Squeeze a small amount of block printing ink or thick paint onto your palette.
- Roll the brayer through the ink/paint until it’s evenly coated.
- Gently roll the inked brayer over the surface of your foam design, making sure to cover the flat parts without forcing ink down into the indented grooves.
- Make the print:
- Place a sheet of blank paper over your inked foam block.
- Press down firmly and evenly across the entire surface. You can use your hands or the back of a wooden spoon to rub the back of the paper and ensure good contact.
- Carefully peel the paper back to reveal your print.
- Repeat:
- You can re-ink your foam block and make more prints on different papers or with different colors.
- The foam block can be washed with water for cleanup and reuse.
