Specialist Printmaking Services

At Printmaking Services Limited, we provide expert support for printmakers working with a wide range of traditional and modern printmaking equipment.

Our services focus on three core areas: restoration, relocation, and ongoing maintenance — ensuring your presses remain accurate, reliable, and safe to operate.

Restoration & Refurbishment of Printmaking Presses

We specialise in the restoration of printmaking presses, from routine refurbishment to full mechanical rebuilds.

Many presses in use today are decades—or even centuries—old. Proper restoration not only improves performance but also preserves the character and longevity of these machines.

Our restoration work includes:

• Complete strip-down and rebuild of presses
• Repair or remanufacture of worn or damaged components
• Roller recovery and replacement
• Bearing, gear, and drive system servicing
• Cleaning, corrosion treatment, and refinishing
• Calibration and operational testing

Letterpress & Relief Printing Presses

Letterpress and relief presses are among the most widely used traditional printing machines, valued for their precision and durability.

We work with a full range of press types, including:

Iron hand presses (Albion, Columbian, Stanhope, Britannia, Imperial)

• Typically used for fine art printmaking and traditional letterpress work
• Require careful restoration of frames, platens, and pressure systems

Cylinder presses (Vandercook, Western, FAG, Farley, Stephenson Blake)

• Common in proofing, book arts, and commercial letterpress
• Maintenance often involves carriage systems, rollers, and bed alignment

Platen presses (Heidelberg, Adana, Arab, Cropper, Autovic)

• Widely used for commercial and small-format printing
• Require precise adjustment for safe and consistent operation

Etching & Intaglio Presses

Etching and intaglio presses are essential for processes where ink is transferred from recessed surfaces.

These presses rely on high pressure and accurate roller alignment, making regular maintenance critical.

We support presses from manufacturers such as Rochat, Hunter-Penrose, Kimber, Polymetaal, Tofko, and Hawthorn.

Typical work includes:

• Roller resurfacing and alignment
• Bed and blanket system checks
• Pressure calibration
• Frame and drive system servicing

Lithography & Screenprinting Equipment

Lithographic and screenprinting processes require specialised equipment with different mechanical and material considerations.

We provide support for:

Direct stone lithography presses (Furnival, Greig, Hughes & Kimber)

• Including scraper bar systems, bed movement, and pressure control

Screenprinting equipment

• Frame handling systems, vacuum beds, and mechanical components

Our work ensures consistent print quality and reliable operation across these processes.

Relocation & Installation of Printmaking Equipment

Moving printmaking presses is a highly specialised task due to their weight, complexity, and sensitivity to misalignment.

We manage the full relocation process, ensuring equipment is transported and reinstalled safely.

Our relocation services include:

• Pre-move assessment and planning
• Careful dismantling of presses where required
• Coordination of specialist transport and lifting equipment
• Reinstallation, levelling, and alignment
• Testing and commissioning in the new space

We regularly assist with:

• Studio moves and reorganisations
• University and workshop relocations
• Installation of newly acquired or restored equipment

Maintenance & Technical Support

Ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure printmaking equipment continues to operate safely and efficiently.

We provide flexible support depending on your needs, from one-off repairs to longer-term servicing arrangements.

Our maintenance services include:

• Routine servicing of presses and equipment
• Diagnosis and resolution of mechanical faults
• Emergency repair coordination
• Sourcing of replacement parts and specialist materials
• Advice on maintaining performance and extending equipment life

We aim to minimise downtime and ensure your equipment remains dependable for day-to-day use.

Trusted Expertise Across Traditional & Modern Equipment

Our work spans a wide range of printmaking processes, combining traditional engineering knowledge with practical studio experience.

By working with trusted specialists, we ensure every project is handled with the appropriate level of care, skill, and attention to detail.