Open Access can be used by members for pre-booked sessions, 2pm – 5pm / 6pm – 9pm on Wednesdays or daytime on some Saturdays as available. If you would like to book a session, induction or one to one training – please get in touch via the Contact Us page.
Self-guided open access sessions in our print studio include use of the: etching press, book press, screen printing equipment, vacuum beds, fabric printing table, thermofax, solar plate exposure unit, Risograph, Print Gocco and heat press equipment.
Wednesday is our regular open access day (between 2pm and 9pm), but you can also arrange to come on some Saturdays (10am – 5pm) as available. Equipment or training needs to be booked in advance – please contact us. Regular users of the space who are able to work entirely independently, can request a booking for other days and we’ll arrange it if possible. There is no membership fee, but you are required to undergo an induction for £16 on the first visit if you have not previously attended one of our courses.
Open Access cost: £18 for up to 3 hours.
Please book a single or double session for open access. For double sessions, the hour in between is free. If there is no booking for the session after yours on the day, you are welcome to continue using the equipment at £6 per hour.
Hire of print studio: day rate £80 / half day £55
Our presses are also available for hire by groups or clubs for half or full days. Up to four people in the etching press area using individual work areas is the current limit, but screen printing, Risograph and textile printing tables are all available too.
Support
A technician is on hand during open access sessions but these are not taught classes, you will need to be able to use the equipment on your own. If you need extra help or tuition, you can arrange one to one support for £18 per hour.
Materials
Light use of inks for etching and relief printing is included, and system 3 acrylics and binders for screen printing on paper or textiles can be purchased on the day. Coating with photo emulsion costs £3 per screen, and we can prep screens with emulsion to be waiting for you for £10 per screen, or expose a screen from your artwork to be ready for you, from £30.
We carry a range of printmaking papers for sale, please ask if there is something specific you would like us to get in stock. Normally we have Bread & Butter Edition 270 gsm cartridge, SouthBank 250 gsm cartridge, Hahnemuhle Etching 300 gsm, Fabriano Rosaspina 285 gsm, BFK Rives 250 gsm, Somerset Satin 250 gsm and a few others, along with newsprint and acid free tissue.
Booking open access printmaking
If you know printmaking techniques but haven’t taken one of our short courses, you will need an induction before you can use the equipment during open access for the first time, to check that you have the required skills to work safely on your own. Inductions are £16 per person.
Please note – open access inductions do not include teaching you how to use the equipment.
Contact us to reserve a time slot.
Please note:
- Some materials are available to purchase from the studio manager, but you can bring along your own inks, papers, textiles, photo emulsion etc if you prefer.
- We use water-based inks in the screen printing studio, please let us know if you want to use oil based inks as we may need to arrange a separate session from those using water based inks.
- You can arrange to take a look at the print studio equipment if you want to check if it’s right for you – or if you’re just curious! Please contact us first before making a trip though as we can only support pre-booked appointments.
Medway Fine Printmakers 
I was told about your group today and am interested in dropping in to see where you are and the exact set up. I live in Egerton, between Ashford and Maidstone, so want to make sure it’s worth the journey! Please let me know your address. Many thanks, Anne
Hi Anne
If you’re able to pop in on a Wednesday, we’re open 11am – 9pm and you can have a good look around the studio. It’s worth letting us know when you’re coming so that it can be at a time when we’re not booked for one to one teaching or inductions. You can get in touch via the contact us page or give us a bell on 01634 753299. The address is INTRA, 337-341 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DA. Have a look at the Visit page for directions.
Best wishes, Xtina