What to look for when buying quality wood blocks for printing
We often see inferior wood blocks being sold and thought it might be useful to explain what qualities you should be looking for when making a purchase.
Our wood blocks are very high quality for the following reasons:
- The wood blocks are made from sheesham wood - this is a fast growing native hardwood in India which is protected by export license. This means it is from a controlled source and supplies are managed.
- The designs are beautifully hand-carved by artisans with great skills.
- The surface designs are crisp - the fine lines and details are clear in the print and the quality doesn't become fuzzy with use over time. In theory, the wood blocks can be used hundreds of times.
- The wood blocks are soaked in mustard oil as part of the finishing process - this increases their durability, especially when they are repeatedly washed. The wood will be a dark brown colour.
- The wood blocks are ethically made. We want to make sure that artisans are treated and paid well.
Example of a high quality block:
Please avoid buying wood blocks which are:
- Made from softwoods which degrade quickly. The raised lines of the design will become fuzzy and unclear when printed. The sides of the wood block may feel rough.
- Laser cut not handmade - these are cheap blocks which are mass produced and will not last.
- Not soaked in mustard oil - they will absorb water and not be robust. The clue is that the wood is generally a lighter golden brown colour compared to the dark wood of soaked blocks.
- Of unknown origin - unclear where they were made and by whom.
Example of a poor quality block:
