Selection of Relief Printmaking Plates

The selection of printmaking plate materials depends on the type of print being produced. Printmaking is generally categorized into four major techniques: relief printing, intaglio, lithography, and screen printing, as well as modern mixed-media printmaking. Each technique relies on its own core material system.

Our factory focuses primarily on relief printmaking materials. In relief printing—most commonly woodcut and rubber stamp printing—the non-image areas are carved away, leaving the raised surface to receive ink.

Below is an overview of the main relief printing plate materials we supply, including their characteristics and recommended user groups. Buyers can select suitable materials based on their target market, skill level, and application needs.

Our Main Relief Printing Plate Materials

We currently supply the following plate materials:

• Foam Printing Board

• KT Board (Foam Board)

• PVC Printing Plate

• Woodblocks (Basswood / Beech)

All materials are available blank or pre-designed, and custom designs are supported for OEM/ODM projects.

Foam Printing Board

Foam printing board sits between “drawing” and “carving.” It does not require sharp carving tools—users can create images with pencils, ballpoint pens, bamboo sticks, or other firm tools. This makes it safe, low-cost, and highly accessible, especially for beginners.

Key Advantages

• No sharp tools required

• Very affordable

• Safe and easy to use

• Ideal for beginners

Limitations

• Limited detail performance

• Low plate durability

• Recommended for water-based block printing inks only

• Oil-based ink solvents may damage the foam and are difficult to clean

Usage Notes

• Use a soft rubber brayer

• Apply ink gently to avoid damaging the surface

Recommended For

• Children and teenagers

• Art education institutions

• Hobbyists and beginners

• Entry-level printmaking programs

KT Board (Foam Board)

After mastering foam printing board, KT board is an excellent transitional material for introducing real carving tools. Compared to wood, it is safer and requires less physical effort, allowing learners to practice carving techniques in a more relaxed environment.

One of its most distinctive features is the natural granular texture created along the cut edges of the foam core. When printed, this produces effects similar to broken white lines or rough gray tones—an expressive quality that cannot be fully replicated with wood.

Key Advantages

• Low cost and lightweight

• Easy to carve with moderate resistance

• Unique natural texture, ideal for experimental or mixed-media prints

Limitations

• Limited fine-detail capability

• Moderate durability

• Recommended for water-based inks

• Oil-based ink solvents may damage the foam core

Usage Notes

• Use a soft rubber brayer with controlled pressure

• For glossy-surface KT boards, lightly sand the surface to improve ink adhesion

Recommended For

• Teenagers (upper primary level and above)

• Adult beginners

• Experimental and texture-focused creators

• Art educators and workshop instructors

• Budget-conscious users producing multi-color prints

PVC Printing Plate

PVC plates offer a balance between KT board and traditional woodblocks. With moderate hardness, they provide excellent carving feedback and allow for a wide range of techniques such as pushing, slicing, and lifting cuts.

The carving experience is very close to woodcut printing, yet significantly less labor-intensive. PVC plates can achieve highly detailed, clean, and smooth-edged lines, far surpassing foam and KT boards in precision.

Key Advantages

• Excellent detail and line clarity

• Smooth edges and strong durability

• Long print runs (hundreds of impressions or more)

• Easy to modify and clean

• Compatible with multiple ink types

Requirements & Considerations

• Requires sharp carving tools

• Dull blades increase difficulty and may tear edges

• Not recommended for very young children working independently

Recommended For

• Intermediate and advanced learners

• Artists seeking professional results on a limited budget

• Art college students and printmaking studios

• Creators focusing on fine lines and accurate color registration

• Adult or youth-oriented printmaking workshops

Woodblocks (Basswood / Beech)

Woodblocks offer exceptional durability, stability, and expressive potential, with rich layering and strong visual depth. However, they require advanced skills, physical strength, and experience, making them less suitable for beginners.

Woodblocks are materials designed for serious and professional printmaking.

Recommended For

• Professional print artists

• Fine art and printmaking students in art academies

• Experienced printmaking enthusiasts

• Artists focused on traditional techniques and cultural heritage

• Creators producing limited-edition, collectible prints

One-Stop Supply for Relief Printmaking

Our factory offers a comprehensive range of relief printmaking materials, including customizable printing plates to meet the needs of different markets and customer groups.

In addition to plates, we also supply a full range of supporting tools and accessories, including:

• Carving tools

• Rubber brayers

• Barens

• Wooden mushrooms

• Frames and backing boards

• Rice paper

• Water-based block printing inks

• Oil-based block printing inks

This allows our customers to achieve one-stop procurement, simplifying sourcing and logistics for international buyers.