Definition
A Risograph (also called Riso Printer, Risograph Printer, or Risograph Machine) is both a printing process and the machine that performs it. Often described as a blend of screen printing and digital duplication, a Risograph machine creates vibrant, layered prints using stencil masks and spot colours. Artists, designers, small presses and schools value it for its bold colour, visible texture, and economical short runs.
The Risograph printing process uses a master stencil wrapped around an ink drum inside a Riso printer. Paper is fed through the machine while semi-transparent, vegetable-oil based Risograph ink is pushed through the stencil onto the sheet. Each colour is printed as a separate pass, allowing purposeful layering, overprinting, and the distinctive, slightly imperfect registration associated with Riso work.
How It’s Used in Printmaking
- Prepare artwork – Create greyscale separations, one file per colour.
- Make the master – The Riso printer burns a stencil, called a master, from your file, which wraps around the colour drum.
- Print one colour at a time – Load paper, select the drum, and run the edition. For multicolour work, swap drums between passes.
- Dry and cure – Risograph ink dries by absorption into uncoated paper, so allow adequate drying time between colours.
- Register and overprint – Slight misregistration is common and often embraced as part of the aesthetic.
Although closest in spirit to screen printing (both rely on stencils), Risograph printing benefits from digital file handling and rapid automation, making it an efficient yet characterful process.
History & Origins
The Risograph was developed in Japan by Riso Kagaku Corporation in the 1980s as a high-speed duplicator for offices and schools. Its spot-colour drums, stencil system, and low running cost later attracted artists and independent publishers. By the 2000s, Riso studios and community presses across Europe, the UK, and North America adopted the machines for posters, zines, artists’ books, and illustrative editions, cementing the Risograph printer as a creative tool in contemporary print culture.
Variations & Related Terms
- Riso printer / Risograph printer – General terms for any model capable of making masters and printing via colour drums.
- Risograph machine – Alternative phrasing emphasising the hardware, often used in studios and schools.
- Colour drums – Swappable cylinders pre-filled with specific colours, including fluorescents and metallics.
- Masters – Disposable stencils created per colour; each new design requires a fresh master.
- Models and formats – Range from single-colour units to two-colour models that print two inks in one pass, with varying image sizes.
Compared with offset lithography, Risograph printing has quicker setup and lower cost for small editions. Compared with inkjet or laser printers, Riso machines use real spot inks, yielding flat, richly pigmented areas of colour with distinctive overprints.
Modern Applications
Today, the Risograph is widely used in art studios, schools, and independent publishing. Artists and designers appreciate its ability to produce vibrant colours and unique textures. Many contemporary practitioners emphasise eco-friendly practices, taking advantage of soy-based and vegetable-oil based Risograph inks. Digital design tools make it simple to prepare artwork, increasing accessibility for both hobbyists and professional printmakers.
Practical Tips & Products
- Choose a Risograph model that matches the size of the prints you want to create.
- Consider the available ink colours, especially if you want to experiment with fluorescents or metallics.
- Use uncoated paper to ensure proper ink absorption.
- Ensure good ventilation when using inks to keep your studio environment safe.
- For newcomers, starter kits and guides are available to help you get familiar with Risograph printing.
