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Year 8

Designing printing plates; transferring the design

I can create a press print using a food packaging plate, and develop the designs to create more complex prints.

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New
New
Year 8

Designing printing plates; transferring the design

I can create a press print using a food packaging plate, and develop the designs to create more complex prints.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A press print uses a plate with a design on the surface, pressure is applied to transfer ink from plate to paper.
  2. Some food packaging can be used to create a plate by drawing designs into the surface.
  3. We can develop prints using different surfaces, working into prints or rotating plates to create more complex designs.

Keywords

  • Plate - the surface from which a print can be taken, this can be carved into or built up

  • Drypoint - a printing process where a sharp object is used to draw into a plate

  • Mirror image - an image or object which is identical in form to another, but with the structure reversed

Common misconception

Printmaking requires the use of specialist equipment to be successful.

High quality printing making can be achieved using a range of domestic materials and equipment.


To help you plan your year 8 art and design lesson on: Designing printing plates; transferring the design, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Images have been provided in the Additional Matertials; however, selecting your own imagery could be an opportunity to adapt this lesson to your local context.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Food packaging with a layer of metal inside (like juice containers), needles or compass, printing ink, fabric or tissue, printing press, paper.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Put the following steps in the correct order for monoprinting with oil pastels.
1 - Cover a piece of card with a layer of oil pastel.
2 - Place a clean sheet of paper over the oil pastel-covered surface.
3 - Secure the paper in place and draw your desired image, applying firm pressure.
4 - Carefully lift the top sheet to reveal the transferred image.
5 - The final print will appear as a mirror image of your original drawing.
Q2.
Why is reductive monoprinting considered a ‘mono’ printing technique?
because each print is identical
because only one colour can be used
Correct answer: because only one unique print is made
because it requires multiple layers
Q3.
A monoprint is a technique that produces images, allowing for creative experimentation.
Correct Answer: unique, one-of-a-kind, singular, original, one-off
Q4.
What happens when you press the paper onto the inked surface?
The paper absorbs the ink completely.
Correct answer: The ink transfers to the paper, creating an image.
The ink disappears.
The paper becomes waterproof.
Q5.
What is the first step in the monoprinting process?
pressing paper onto the inked surface
Correct answer: applying ink to a smooth surface
removing ink with a tool
peeling off the final print
Q6.
Match the following to understand how different materials affect the print's texture.
Correct Answer:material used,the medium (oil pastel or printing ink) affects the print

the medium (oil pastel or printing ink) affects the print

Correct Answer:print qualities,oil pastels create a textured print, ink creates a crisper print

oil pastels create a textured print, ink creates a crisper print

Correct Answer:final print,can have different textures depending on the material used

can have different textures depending on the material used

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a plate in printmaking?
a tool used to carve designs into the paper
Correct answer: the surface from which a print can be taken
a piece of paper that holds the print
the ink used for printing
Q2.
Drypoint plates work by capturing ink in the cut incisions and require to remove ink.
Correct Answer: polishing, buffing
Q3.
Press printing process - match the following statements.
Correct Answer:press print,a method where pressure is used to create prints

a method where pressure is used to create prints

Correct Answer:plate with design,a plate holds the design that will be transferred to the paper

a plate holds the design that will be transferred to the paper

Correct Answer:pressure applied,pressure is used to transfer ink from the plate onto the paper

pressure is used to transfer ink from the plate onto the paper

Correct Answer:ink transfer,ink is transferred from the plate to the paper using pressure

ink is transferred from the plate to the paper using pressure

Q4.
A press print uses a with a design on the surface, and pressure is applied to transfer ink from the plate to the paper.
Correct Answer: plate, surface, block, sheet
Q5.
Can printmaking be successful without specialist equipment?
Correct answer: Yes, with creativity and alternative materials.
No, it always requires specialist equipment.
Yes, but only if using a printing press.
Yes, but only with expensive tools.
Q6.
What is a key advantage of using domestic materials for printmaking?
It’s faster than using professional equipment.
Correct answer: It’s more cost-effective and accessible.
It guarantees perfect prints every time.
It only works for basic prints.

Additional material

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