Non-Toxic and Sustainable Printmaking Practices
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The Printmaking Center of New Jersey is a workshop, gallery, educational facility and research center dedicated to the safest and most sustainable printmaking practices available. We offer workshops and private instruction in safer and non-toxic approaches to intaglio, photopolymer, lithography, silkscreen, relief and monotype printmaking. We are focused on studying and developing better studio practices which better protect the artist, environment and community. We share this information through our workshops, artist consultations and one-on-one contract printing sessions.

Printmaking is an evolving field and we constantly strive
​to make our studio safer and more sustainable.
At PCNJ we strive to create sustainability in many ways, including:
  • Using water-miscible inks that clean up with soap and water (Akua, Caligo, Speedball, Charbonnel, Blick)
  • Using Saline Sulfate and Ferric Chloride salts instead of harsh etching acids
  • Using BIG ground and citrus-based & odorless cleaners to minimize use of leads, tars and heavy solvents (we use Gamsol, Isopropyl Alcohol and Simple Green as opposed to Lacquer thinner, Acetone or Mineral Spirits)
  • Using photo-sensitive polymer plates for intaglio in addition to salt-etching metals
  • Recycling all paper, plastic, metal and glass (including reusing all 'bad prints' for papermaking)
  • Using bath towels for blotters and reusable rags instead of paper towels- to be washed/used repeatedly instead of tossed
  • Compact fluorescent light bulbs in our fixtures
  • Doing all we can to create a sustainable working environment​
PCNJ is forward-thinking in sustainable research,
​along with many other non-toxic printshops and suppliers
Printshops
Suppliers/Brands