Relief Printing

Relief printing is one of the oldest and simplest forms of printmaking, where the raised surface of a block or plate holds the ink, and the recessed areas remain ink-free. Big book press - 60x85 cm Small book press - 50x38 cm Graphix press - bed size 40x50 cm Heidelberg Windmill - platen size 25x35 cm Letterpress big proofing press - 50x67 cm Letterpress small proofing press - 37x50 cm

Intaglio

Intaglio printmaking is a traditional printing process where the image is incised into a metal plate, and ink is held in the recessed lines or textures. When printed, the ink is transferred from these grooves onto paper, creating highly detailed, richly textured images.

• Paolini etching press - bed size 55x110 cm
• Fome etching press - bed size 70x130 cm
• Dalla Piccola etching press - bed size 130x300 cm
• Edinburgh Ferric for etching copper
• Copper Sulphate for etching Zinc
• Bitumen aquatint box 100x100 cm
• Rosin & bitumen for hand aquatint
• Acid etching basins (max size 93x128 cm)
• Hotplate 80x60 cm
• Photo Etching polymer plates (max size 80x60 cm)
• Exposure unit for photo-etching/photo-litho (90×120 cm)
• Guillotine for cutting metal plate (max width 200 cm)

Photo-litho

La Bodonia offset proofing press - bed size 55x65 cm
Exposure unit for photo-etching/photo-litho (90×120 cm)
UV Photosensitive litho plates 55x65 cm

Screen printing

Screen printing is a versatile printmaking technique where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto a surface, using a stencil to block out the areas that shouldn't be printed.  

• Large exposure unit for screenprint (160x300 cm)
• Large vacuum table (max print size 100x120 cm)
• Small vacuum table (max print size 40x60 cm)
• Semi-automatic press (max print size 80x100 cm)
• Various sized squeegees and coating troughs
• Various sized screens for hire (mesh from 43t to 120t)
• Back-lit wash-out unit for screens
• 2 drying racks 135x102 cm

Letterpress

Letterpress is a relief printing technique where raised text is inked and then pressed into paper, creating a crisp print with a subtle, tactile impression.  

• 2 cabinets of wood types
• 4 cabinets of lead types
• Heidelberg Windmill - platen size 25x35 cm
• Letterpress big proofing press - 50x67 cm
• Letterpress small proofing press - 37x50 cm
• Spaces and furniture
• Galleys, composing sticks, line gauges, quoins and keys

Digital Fine Art

Digital fine art printing refers to the high-quality reproduction of artwork or photographs using digital inkjet printers and archival-grade materials. It’s designed to produce prints with exceptional detail, color accuracy, and longevity.

• Epson SureColor P7000

Book Binding

Simple binding: Simple binding is characterised by a single signature, with all pages typically held together by thread sewn by hand (Pamphlet stitch) or by machine (Singer stitch). Its distinguishing characteristics are its lack of adhesives, the use of a wide variety of paper for signatures and covers, and the use of different colors of thread.

Accordion fold binding: The accordion fold book is one of the most common types of structure you'll find in artists' books, and is one of the simplest techniques to practice. A single sheet of paper or a series of joined sheets are folded in a zigzagging pattern. The folds make it easy to hold and read like a book, but when fully opened, it can stand on its own.

Hard case binding: Hard case binding, also known as hardback or hardcover binding, is a method of binding that involves the encapsulation and protection of the book by utilizing stiff boards or cardboard as its cover. The cover is non-flexible and is supported by a paper-back board, making it highly durable. The materials employed in the construction of this binding are versatile, with the option of binding cloth or fine paper for the cover. The manual nature of the process ensures a high degree of personalization that is characteristic of many traditional handicrafts.

Open spine binding: Books with uncovered spines are unique in that they show the stitching on the spine that holds the signatures together, with either a soft or hard cover. They have a full opening, but can be a bit unstable for thick books. There are a few different types of stitching, with the most common ones include chain stitching (also called Coptic stitch) and ribbon stitching (also called French stitch).

Special Finishes

Gate 44 offers technical support with Special Finishes including but not limited to foil, embossing, debossing, glitters, varnishes and finishes.

General equipment

• 4 inking glass tables 80x150 cm (square of 160x300 cm)
• Various hand-inking rollers and metal spatulas
• Spindle rollers of various sizes (max width 46 cm)
• Guillotine for cutting paper (max cutting width 70 cm)
• Cutting mat table 125x250 cm
• Rulers of various sizes
• Lightbox 110x150 cm