Frequently Asked Questions

Studio Rental

  • How does it work?

    • We are a public-access studio which means that we don't want to keep all of this equipment to ourselves, we want to share it with like-minded artists and printmakers! You must become a member to gain the ability to rent studio time but that’s easy. Sign up for a $150 Welcome course in which we’ll go over safety instructions for the studio, basic equipment set up, and how we can help you reach your goals. Once you’ve taken the Welcome Course, all you need to do is let us know about a week in advance what you would like to come in and work on. All of our studio rental scheduling is based on availability in the shop.

  • Do I need to know how to print to use the studio?

    • Everyone is welcome! However, if you're not familiar with printmaking techniques you'll need to sign up for assisted printing time. We also offer workshops every month that can introduce you to the different print processes, and private instruction if you don’t see what you want on the calendar.

  • How much does is cost?

    • Unassisted Time: $20 per hour

    • Assisted Time: $65 per hour

    • Read more about our rates and equipment here.

  • What kind of inks do you use?

    • Take a look at the sections below for ink specifics!

  • What do you use for clean up?

    • We clean up our oil-based inks with baby oil and alcohol for a low fume studio and minimal impact on the environment. All other inks that are used in the studio can be cleaned up with soap and water or a little bit of washing soda and water.

  • What does Miami Paper & Printing provide?

  • What should I bring?

  • Do you sell paper at Miami Paper & Printing Museum?

  • Can I bring a friend?

    • You're welcome to bring a friend to be your extra hands or just moral support! Printmaking thrives on collaboration. Note: if your friend is planning to use a different press or section of the studio, or work on their own project, they will need to be a member and rent their own time (which can be concurrent with your rental.)

  • What if I run over my scheduled time?

    • It shouldn't be a problem as long as we don't have anyone coming in right after you. If that is the case though we'll be sure to remind you when to start cleaning up.

  • Can I store my artwork at MP&PM?

    • We currently do not offer any artwork storage at the studio. (Drawers fill up fast and get forgotten often!)

  • How much time do I need?

    • This depends on your project but we usually recommend reserving at least 3 hours of time. If you're worried about it, shoot us an email with a description of you intended project and we'd be happy to provide some guidance.

  • Can I bring food?

    • If you're planning on printing for a while, please bring food! We have a mini-fridge, microwave, and toaster oven at your disposal. We also have sodas and water on deck and a list of restaurants close by that we love.

  • Please see more info about specific process below.

Workshops

  • Do I need to bring anything?

    • Workshop attendees do not need to bring anything with them unless otherwise specified in the workshop description. However, workshop attendees are encouraged to bring ideas, sketches, snacks, and your own tools (if you have them.)

  • How do I find out about upcoming workshops?

  • Can my child come?

    • We have had children in our workshops and we leave that up to your discretion. Well behaved children as young as 9 years old have attended our workshops and had a blast!

  • Do you offer workshops specifically for kids?

    • Not at the moment but you never know what the future holds.

  • Can I schedule my own workshop?

    • Absolutely! Check out our workshops page for our current selection of on-request workshops. Have a specific idea in mind? Shoot us an email with your dream workshop and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

  • If I can't make it can I get a refund?

    • We are happy to offer refunds or credit toward future workshops if you give us at least 48 hours notice that you will not be attending the class. All cancellations made within 48 hours of the class will not be refunded or put towards future classes.

  • How many people are in a class?

    • We like to keep our classes intimate and focused so we cap most printmaking classes at 6 participants, book binding and other workshops are typically capped at 10 people. This ensures that each student gets quality time with the instructor as well as the equipment.

  • Can I pay in person at the time of the workshop?

    • You are welcome to pay in person before the workshop or at the time of the workshop however, your spot will not be reserved until the workshop has been payed for and the class is subject to cancellation if we do not receive at least 3 sign ups 48 hours prior to the class.

Letterpress

  • What is so special about letterpress printing?

    • Letterpress printing gives your design a unique tactile quality (letters pressed into paper leaving an impression) that is impossible to reproduce by modern digital or offsest printing techniques.

  • Can I print from lead type?

    • Yes, we have a collection of over 300 wood and lead typefaces, which you can browse in-person by appointment.

  • Can I print from photopolymer? Do you have a Boxcar Base?

    • Yes, we have 3 boxcar bases sized 9x12", 13x19" and 2x2.5"

  • Can I print a linocut?

    • Yes. We just have to do some adjusting to ensure that your block is the right height for the press.

  • What paper is best?

    • Anything pillowy, smooth and made from cotton rag works great. Crane Lettra and Reich Savoy are 100% cotton papers that were designed specifically for letterpress printing but other cotton papers like Rives BFK and Pescia work well too. Other thick materials like chip board and museum board work well as long as the paper is soft enough to take the impression. Feel free to get in touch if you have questions about specific papers.

  • Can I print white onto black paper?

    • You can but it won't be a bright white. Letterpress puts down such a thin layer of ink that even the most opaque inks will let the paper show through.

  • Can I print my own wedding invitations?

    • Absolutely. We're happy to assist you in any way that you need but we recommend letting us do the heavy lifting if you haven't tried letterpress printing before. It's best to learn a new technique with lower stakes.

  • Can I print on fabric?

    • Yes but it needs to be small enough to fit into the press (14x22” or smaller) and cannot have any seams as the extra bulk can crush the type or damage the press. Screenprinting and block printing are the preferred techniques for fabric.

Screenprinting

  • What's so special about screenprinting?

    • Screenprinting is a dynamic technique that allows you to print solid, bold colors onto a variety of materials including paper, wood, fabric, glass, etc. The screen lays down a flat layer of opaque ink which makes printing onto dark substrates possible. It's also a quick process compared to other fine art printmaking techniques

  • How big of a screen can I expose?

    • Our exposure unit can handle screens up to 34" x 48"

  • Can I rent a screen from you?

    • It is possible to use one of our screens during studio rental. Using our screens during studio rental requires planning and availability, and is not guaranteed. Our screens can only be used in-house, and cannot leave the building.

  • What kind of ink should I use?

    • That depends on what material you are printing on. For paper, you can use water soluble or permanent acrylic screen printing ink. For fabric, you can use water-based screenprinting ink or fabric dye that has been thickened for screenprinting. We do not allow laquer based, oil based or plastisol screenprinting inks in our shop.

  • Do you print films?

    • Yup! We have a 44" wide roll printer. Film costs $10 per foot.

  • Can I print t-shirts?

    • If you’d like. We do not have any t-shirt presses but you can print them the old fashioned way on a table with hinge clamps.

  • Can you shoot my screen for me?

    • Sure, you can drop off your screen with us and we'll have it ready for you within 5 business days. We charge $45 to shoot your screen and $15 to reclaim it.

Fine Art Printmaking

  • What kind of plates can I print?

    • Our etching press roller raises to 1.25" so anything thinner than that should work. We have blankets for intaglio, monotype, and collograph printing.

    • Note about Collograph printing: if your plate is really textured or includes thick objects or anything that could tear up our blankets please bring your own blankets and foam.

  • Do you sell linoleum?

    • Yup!

  • Do you have acid for etching plates?

    • Yes! We have an 18x24” vertical ferric chloride tank in which we etch copper only (not zinc!)

  • Can I shoot solar plates or image-on plates?

    • Absolutely, we have a 30x44" exposure unit. (Please be prepared to do some exposure testing)

  • Do you have any water based inks?

    • We offer free oil-based relief, perfection pallette, etching, and litho inks. We have a small amount of Charbonnel water-washable printing inks to try, and we offer them for sale, as well! They’re great for home use without sacrificing quality.

  • Will you print my plates for me?

    • Sure! Our staff is specially trained in fine art printmaking and editioning. Please submit a Fine Art Print Inquiry form to get started.

  • Do you have popsicle sticks for mixing Akua inks?

    • No. If you would like to mix your Akua inks please bring your own popsicle sticks.

Book Binding

  • Can I use your binding equipment?

    • No problem! We have a list of available book binding equipment here. Regular studio rental rates and conditions apply.