If you love vibrant colours, hands-on creativity, and a bit of organised chaos, then you’ll probably fall in love with Riso printing. This wonderfully tactile and eco-friendly printmaking technique has captured the hearts of artists, illustrators, and designers all over the world — and for good reason.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to the basics of Risograph printing, how it works, why it’s so beloved in creative circles, and how you can give it a try yourself.
So, what is Riso printing?
Riso (short for Risograph) is a stencil-based printing technique that originated in Japan in the 1980s. It was originally designed as a high-speed duplicator for schools and offices, but it didn’t take long for artists and indie publishers to notice its quirky charm.
Imagine a mix between screen printing and photocopying — that’s Riso in a nutshell.
Instead of using digital ink or toner, a Risograph machine creates a stencil (called a master) for each colour layer, wraps it around an ink drum, and pushes soy-based ink through the stencil onto the paper. Each colour is printed one at a time, which means you build up your artwork in layers — and sometimes, those layers don’t align perfectly, which is all part of the fun.
Why creatives love Riso
Here’s why Riso has become a favourite technique for illustrators, zine-makers, and designers:
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Punchy, vibrant colours
Riso inks come in unique spot colours — including fluorescent pinks, deep teals, and metallic golds — that simply can’t be replicated with standard CMYK printers. -
Eco-friendly
Riso is a much more sustainable choice than traditional digital printing. The inks are plant-based, the masters are made from banana fibres, and the machine itself uses minimal energy. -
Affordable for small runs
Once your master is made, printing copies is quick and cost-effective, making it ideal for zines, posters, art prints, and limited-edition designs. -
Tactile and unique results
No two Riso prints are exactly the same. Slight misalignments (called misregistration) and the visible texture of the ink give your work a beautiful, imperfect charm that digital printing just can’t match.
Things to know before you try Riso
While Riso is accessible and fun, it does come with its quirks:
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Limited colour palette
You can’t mix inks to create custom colours — instead, you work with layered spot colours to achieve different effects. This limitation often leads to more creative results! -
Best on uncoated paper
Riso ink is oily and slow-drying, so it works best on absorbent, uncoated paper stocks. Double-sided prints need extra drying time to avoid smudging. -
Layer planning is key
Since you’re printing one colour at a time, you’ll need to separate your artwork into individual colour layers. This is part of the creative process, and it can lead to exciting surprises when colours overlap and blend.
Where to find Riso printing in the UK
There are loads of brilliant Riso studios and print collectives popping up across the UK — from London to Glasgow to Bristol — many of which offer workshops, open-access sessions, or printing services. If you’re curious to try it for yourself, look for local studios or creative spaces that run Riso printmaking workshops.
Final thoughts
Riso printing isn’t about perfection — it’s about play. It encourages you to experiment, embrace happy accidents, and think differently about colour and composition. Whether you’re a professional illustrator or a curious creative looking to try something new, Riso is a joyful, hands-on printmaking technique that brings a bold burst of energy to your work.
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