The document provides instructions for applying ink to a printing slab using a brayer. It describes rolling the brayer over the ink on the slab to evenly spread it out in a circular motion from top to bottom. It emphasizes getting the right amount of ink, which should have a crackling texture and not be too thin, thick, or ropey. Instructions are given for fixing ropey ink and applying a good base coat of ink to the printing block.

1. Ink
Brayer
Slab

2. Put a “dab” of
ink on the slab.

3. Use the brayer to spread the ink
uniformly over the slab.

4. Start at the top of the slab and roll
to the bottom.

5. Lift up the brayer and bring it back
to the top.

6. Roll it down again
until the ink is just right.

7. Do this as long as it takes to spread out the ink.
Keep up this circular motion
(top bottom lift top bottom lift…)
so the ink is spread evenly on the brayer as well as the slab.

24. .

28. It’s important to get just the right
amount of ink. Keep adding “dabs” of
ink until you have it right.

29. The right amount of ink makes a
crackling sound and has a furry
texture.

30. This is not enough ink. It is flat rather
than furry and you can see through it.

31. This is too much ink.
It has lines.
This is called “ropey” ink.
Always fix ropey ink.

32. To fix ropey ink,
hold the roller,
then drag the extra ink
to the top of the slab.

35. Leave the line of ink at the top of the slab. Use this ink
when you start to run out of ink instead of adding another
“dab” of ink from the tube.

36. Transfer the perfectly prepared ink
from the slab to your linoleum block.

37. Keep applying ink until the entire surface is coated with
with one color of ink. The ink should crackle.
You shouldn’t be able to see through the ink. The ink
shouldn’t be ropey. This is called a base coat.

38. This is the texture of a good base coat.

39. Once you have a good base coat, you
can add as many colors as you want.

40. When you use other colors, some of
the inks are going to mix on the brayer
and the slab.

41. Don’t worry about the colors mixing.
Only add ink if the ink is running out.