EQUIPMENT
The Conrad E31
A dedicated press studio for experienced printmakers who want focused, independent working time. Everything is new, calibrated, and set up for etching, woodblock, collagraph, and viscosity printing.
The Press
The Conrad E31 is built by Conrad Machine Company, known for their precision engineering and reliability in professional printmaking equipment. This is not a hobby press, it is a workhorse designed for serious, consistent output.
I chose this press specifically for its capacity and build quality. With an extended 60 inch steel bed and a jumbo 10 inch top drum, it delivers smooth, even pressure across the entire bed. This setup can handle everything from delicate chine collé to demanding viscosity workflows.
Mechanical Details
Smooth movement.
Locked alignment.
Stable base.
Inking + Prep
Dedicated Inking Stations
- Two 36 × 48 inch inking stations with clean glass surfaces
- Canola oil cleanup area for low toxicity workflows
- Brayers, rollers, and mixing knives available
- Fresh consumables: rags, gloves, newsprint provided each session
Studio Features
- Natural light from a large skylight directly above the press area
- Quiet, focused environment in a historic downtown building
- Clean, organized workspace maintained between sessions
Materials on Hand
Standard studio supplies are available to support most workflows, including chine collé pastes, oil and modifiers for viscosity printing, and a small stock of white Rives BFK for purchase in limited quantities. If you prefer specific brands or papers, plan to bring your own.
Drying + Storage
The studio includes a brand new AWT RACK-IT heavy construction drying rack with 50 shelves, each measuring 31 × 48 inches. This professional grade rack provides ample space for drying prints you create during your session.
Work can remain on the drying rack for up to two weeks following your session. If you have back-to-back bookings, you may leave paper, plates, ink, and tools between consecutive sessions.
Paper + Plates
Artists bring their own plates and papers. Storage is limited. You can leave work on the drying rack for up to two weeks, and you may leave paper, plates, ink, and tools only between back to back bookings.
The studio assumes you already know how to prep plates and wipe cleanly. If you are working on something unfamiliar or want to test a new approach, that is fine, but this is an independent workspace, not a teaching studio.
The Space
Built by a Printmaker, for Printmakers
I’m Don, the printmaker behind Dao Art Press. After years of working in shared studios, I wanted a space where experienced artists could work quietly, take their time, and use a well maintained press without distraction.
This studio was built with that intention, calm, organized, and set up so you can focus fully on your own process.
If you want to see what I make here, you can visit dondao.art.