Burnisher

Printmaking burnishers in hardwood with carbon fibre tip. I am currently making these in a variety of hardwoods. Burnishing with these tools makes the process both comfortable and efficient.

If you don’t have a press, or access to a press, hand burnishing is the only method of printing. Many notable engravers from the past have hand burnished their engravings, so you shouldn’t feel unduly handicapped by the lack of a press. It’s vital to use thin Japanese papers for the best results (see Printing). My burnishers are simple but very effective tools, besides being beautiful objects.