Where can I get small acrylic blocks (for block printing)

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Where can I get small acrylic blocks (for block printing)

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earthyvirgo

Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 7972
Location: creating prints in the loft, Gerlan

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 16 7:42 pm Post subject: Where can I get small acrylic blocks (for block printing)

I'm doing a Masterclass in block printing at the end of June, so just starting to sort out materials.

The whole process is so much easier if we can mount the blocks (cut on 2mm lino) on acrylic blanks. All the 'crafty' suppliers have them but my materials budget per student is miniscule (around ï¿½2 - ï¿½2.50 each), so just wondering of anyone can think where else I might get some.

It needs to be pickupable, so a decent depth - ideally cut to a standard size, 5 to 6cm square would be perfect but I may be able to sort out a way of chopping up a larger sheet.

EV

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45674
Location: Essex

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 16 8:02 pm Post subject:
Have you tried eBay?

earthyvirgo

Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 7972
Location: creating prints in the loft, Gerlan

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 16 8:06 pm Post subject:

tahir wrote:

Have you tried eBay?

Yup, that was my first port of call, that and Amazon.
They're not expensive (a few quid each) but I need at least 2 for each for 10 people.

EV

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 16 8:27 pm Post subject:
Does it have to be acrylic? Would wood do? Is it just to make, essentially, a handle for the Lino?

earthyvirgo

Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 7972
Location: creating prints in the loft, Gerlan

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 16 8:38 pm Post subject:

Nick wrote:

Does it have to be acrylic? Would wood do? Is it just to make, essentially, a handle for the Lino?

Yes, but the benefit of using acrylic is that it makes it an awful lot easier to position each 'mini' print. The craft ones come with a printed grid, even better. I'd get them to mark key points of the design on the underside of the lino to help line things up.

EV

p.s the lamb (hogget actually) was meltingly good

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46235
Location: yes

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 16 10:13 pm Post subject:

off cuts from a sign makers might do the job .
if you have to find cutting facilities(a college or joiners workshop with a table band saw would be good but a pillar band saw would do part sheets)

if you are cutting they might need a quick sand on the edges as most blades made for wood can leave them with rather sharp bits(again workshop kit will be easiest)

if you have a lot to do and a big sheets of lino and acrylic to start from it is easiest to glue them together(evostick) first and then chop them into squares.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46235
Location: yes

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 16 10:17 pm Post subject:
another possible source of off cuts are folk who make display stands

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