Block Printing Tools

Block Printing Tools

Match a relief printing brayer to the block

Compare the working width, roller firmness and replacement parts before buying an inking tool.

Measure across the inked area

The roller width describes the contact cylinder. A narrow roller helps place ink in a small zone. A wider roller can cover more of the block in one pass if the inking plate and block give it room.

Compare firmness within the specified material

Use the maker's hardness scale or the stated hard or soft version. Speedball offers separate hard and soft models. Check both the roller firmness and width before treating two similarly sized tools as interchangeable.

Decide whether the roller can be changed

A pop-in design can use a matching replaceable roller. A fixed-frame design has different parts. Check the exact model and the maker's cleaning directions before buying a replacement or using a solvent.

Source documentation

Guide questions

Can I measure the roller width from the handle?

Use the stated contact width of the cylinder. The frame and handle can extend beyond it.

How can I tell if a roller will fit my tray?

Measure the usable floor inside the rim and leave room to roll back and forth. Compare that with the working roller width.

What is a useful first check when bands show on a proof?

Look at the direction of your passes and overlap. If the bands follow the roller path, adjust loading and overlap before replacing it.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. Both deluxe rollers have a four-inch working face. Choose the softer 40/42 roller for give or the hard Deluxe version for firmer contact.

    Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 4 inches ↗Deluxe hard rubber brayer, 4 inches ↗

  2. The Deluxe version offers a steel frame. The hard Pop-In is the choice if you want to remove and swap the roller.

    Deluxe hard rubber brayer, 4 inches ↗Pop-In hard rubber brayer, 4 inches ↗

  3. Choose the narrower Essdee for small motifs and trays or the four-inch Speedball when a wider design calls for fewer passes.

    Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 4 inches ↗Soft rubber brayer, 50 mm ↗

  4. Choose the three-inch Deluxe soft roller for a compact inking lane. The four-inch version covers a wider strip at the same stated hardness.

    Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 3 inches ↗Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 4 inches ↗

  5. The narrow roller reaches a smaller color zone. Choose the wider 2½-inch model if the print needs another inch of coverage per pass.

    Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 1½ inches ↗Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 2½ inches ↗

  6. The 3½-inch roller suits a compact lane. Choose the six-inch roller when a broader image and plate justify fewer passes.

    Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 3½ inches ↗Deluxe soft rubber brayer, 6 inches ↗

  7. Both Essdee rollers use soft EPDM. Choose the 50 mm face for a small motif or the 100 mm face for a wider pass.

    Soft rubber brayer, 50 mm ↗Soft EPDM brayer, 100 mm ↗

  8. Both sets include a four-inch hard roller. Choose the three-width set if a broad image and plate can use its 7.9-inch face.

    Hard rubber brayer pair, 2.2 and 4 inches ↗Hard rubber brayer set, 2.4, 4 and 7.9 inches ↗

Accessories in this guide

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