Manual Printing for Photopolymer Stamps
A course by Fábrica de TexturasDesign Workshop
A course by Fábrica de Texturas, Design Workshop
Discover stamping and engraving techniques using household tools
As the name suggests, a photopolymer is a material that reacts when exposed to ultraviolet light and can be used to create stamps through photoengraving. With a few simple tools and an easy-to-follow process, anyone can make photopolymer stamps of an illustration or design.
In this online course, Gabriela Rodríguez and Xavier Robledo from Fábrica de Texturas, a Madrid-based studio and workshop, teach you how to create your own photopolymer stamps, as well as stamping techniques to get different textures and finishes.
If you're interested in learning more with Fábrica de Texturas, check out their first course DIY Binding Techniques.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 11 downloads
Manual printing systems
3 minutes, 57 seconds
Engraving and photogravure
2 minutes, 3 seconds
Materials and tools
3 minutes, 13 seconds
Step by Step
8 minutes, 40 seconds
Preparation of negatives
11 minutes, 2 seconds
Preparation of negatives II
15 minutes, 22 seconds
What's included in this course?
Meet your teachers, Gabriela and Xavier, who tell you about their work, their courses, and their teaching method. They also share some of their influences in the world of engraving and manual printing.
Begin with an introduction to different manual printing systems, including their pros and cons. Then, learn about the photoengraving technique—the focus of this course—before going over the tools and materials needed to create your photopolymer stamps.
Next, your teachers walk you through the stamp-making process, from cutting the plate to the first printing tests. Design and prepare your negatives and then run them through an exposure unit or light source of your choice.
Once you've created your stamp, experiment with it on different surfaces using a variety of inks, textures, and finishes. Gabriela and Xavier also give you a few tips on how to get the most out of your stamp and avoid common mistakes.
Round out the course by learning more advanced printing techniques, including the use of multiple colors, motif repetition, and foam stamps.
What is this course's project?
Create a print on paper of an illustration or your own design.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Designers, illustrators, and anyone interested in stamping or engraving who wants to learn how to make photopolymer stamps at home.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge is required, although basic notions of Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator are recommended.
As for materials, you need a photopolymer baseplate and a UV exposure unit, but you can use the sun or a UV flashlight if you don't have one. You will also need water-based paint, paper, and rollers.
Reviews
- 5 months ago
Phenomenal course I am currently studying printing and this one was very helpful for the assignment.
- heladePLUS7 months ago
Este curso es de lo mejor que he visto en Domestika. Explicaciones y recursos muy buenos. Muy muy recomendable.
- 8 months ago
I’ve read and viewed everything and started sourcing the material. I’m pleasantly surprised with the quality of the teaching and the wealth of practical, in-depth information. Way to go, Fábrica de Texturas! I’m inspired to create multiple stamps this year BUT the plates are too expensive to get from Europe and the only ones I have found in Canada are large and steel-backed so I will have to buy tin snips😵💫😒
- goutamPLUS8 months ago
Nice course
- 8 months ago
Me ha encantado este curso, muy bien explicado.
Their DIY kits and workshops have become so famous that brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ikea, Mahou, Fnac, and DaWanda call on them for all kinds of collaborations and events.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
Modern Engraving
- Manual printing systems
- Engraving and photogravure
- Materials and tools
- U3
Photopolymer stamp production
- Step by Step
- Preparation of negatives
- Preparation of negatives II
- Sunstroke options
- Tips and frequently asked questions
- U4
Stamping
- Seal assembly and stamping
- Inks, finishes and textures
- Manual Stamping
- U5
Print
- Registration Marks
- Different types of printing
- FP
Final project
- Manual stamping with photopolymer seals
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Hand stamping with photopolymer stamps is a craft technique that lets you transfer custom designs onto paper, fabric, or packaging using stamps made from photosensitive materials. It’s perfect for creative projects, branding, and personalizing items.
The course is designed for people with basic crafting skills but doesn’t require previous experience in engraving or photopolymer stamping. It’s ideal for those wanting to experiment at home or in small studios.
You’ll need photopolymer plates, rollers, elastic bands, a rigid base, glass, a UV lamp or exposure unit, negatives printed on transparency film, inks, brushes, and surfaces like wood or craft foam. The course also covers home-friendly alternatives and DIY kits.
You’ll learn how to create custom stamps from preparing negatives to assembly, exposure techniques, developing, stamping on paper and fabric, using inks, cleaning and care, plus how to adapt methods for home setups.
The course teaches you how to prepare negatives using Illustrator or Photoshop, adjusting curves, inverting images, and converting them to black and white halftones, so you can print transparencies that produce precise photopolymer engravings.
Yes, the course is designed so you can make photopolymer stamps at home using accessible tools and homemade techniques, no industrial machinery needed.
Besides photopolymer, you can work with materials like craft foam, rubber, erasers, or linoleum. These let you carve by hand and get personalized results, though with less fine detail than photopolymer.