You can make a functional and inexpensive block printing table by creating a padded printing board and placing it on any sturdy, flat table surface. The padding helps ensure an even impression of the block on the fabric or paper.
Materials Needed
- A sturdy, flat table: The base for your printing board.
- A rigid board: A lightweight acoustical ceiling tile panel (2ft x 4ft is a common, inexpensive option) or a smooth piece of MDF or plywood will work.
- Padding material: An old blanket, felt, or coarsely woven cotton mat (called tat patti traditionally).
- Top fabric layer: Old sheets, inexpensive calico, or sturdy cotton (achara or heavyweight cotton is ideal).
- Tools: A measuring tape, scissors, handheld staple gun, and possibly iron-on interfacing (optional, for a neater finish).
- Securing: Large nails or painter’s tape to hold fabric/paper in place during printing.
Steps to Make the Printing Board
- Select a sturdy base: Choose a rigid, flat board (like the acoustical panel or plywood) as your printing surface foundation.
- Add padding: Lay your padding material (felt or blanket) out flat. Place your rigid board on top, and pull the felt tightly over the edges, securing it to the back of the board using a staple gun. Miter the corners for a clean finish, similar to wrapping a package.
- Cover with top fabric: Drape your chosen top fabric (e.g., white cotton) over the padded side. Pull it taut and staple it securely to the back of the board, just as you did with the padding. This top layer should be washable, as it will get ink on it over time.
- Secure the fabric (optional but recommended): For a professional, taut surface, you can use a technique to pull the fabric extremely tight using a row of nails along the edges of the board before stapling.
- Finish the back (optional): To prevent the staples from catching on your table, you can iron a piece of fusible interfacing over the stapled felt on the back of the board.
- Place on table: Set your finished printing board on any flat, sturdy table. If the table is too low, you can use bed lifters to achieve a more ergonomic working height.
You now have a portable and effective surface for all your block printing projects!
