Brayer-InformationSheet

Last Updated: 21 September 2015
A Brayer is a small hand roller,
originally used in traditional
printmaking techniques to apply
a thin layer of ink or paint to a
surface. It is also a very useful rubber
stamping tool that can be used to
ink stamps and produce decorative
backgrounds. The variety of
techniques, and possible uses, make
this Brayer a must-have in every
mixed media artist’s tool kit!
otating Brayer technique
R
Roll the Brayer over an inkpad
until it is well inked, and
completely covered. On a
Tag, place a pencil dot at the
centrepoint of where you would
like the rotating to start. Using
this centrepoint as a guide, tap
the Brayer onto the Tag, then
roll the Brayer slightly before
lifting it off. Repeat several
times to complete the effect,
reinking the Brayer as it begins
to fade, usually every few
rotations. Several different effects can be achieved by
experimenting. The centre will be a little messy so ink up
your favourite stamp and add it to the project for that
wow factor.
Painted backgrounds
Apply complimentary
colours of Distress Paint
directly to the cardstock
(watercolour paper works
great for this technique). Dab
a few times with each colour
and roll up and down until
the area is coated with paint.
This technique can be used to
create both subtle and vibrant
backgrounds for any project.
T wine
Cut a length of Twine
approximately 3 times the width
of the Brayer. Using a small
piece of Washi Tape, attach the
Twine to one end of the Brayer
roller, carefully roll the Brayer
around, guiding the Twine to
wrap around the roller using
approximately half the Twine.
When the end of the roller is
reached, attach another small
piece of Washi Tape to keep
it the Twine in place. Continue
rolling back to the beginning again, crossing over the
first rolls of Twine to create a criss cross pattern. Finish off
back at the beginning with a final piece of Washi Tape.
Choosing a colour of Distress Paint create a puddle the
width of the Brayer on a craft sheet. Gently roll the Brayer
in the paint until the Twine is inked up and roll this across
the project from top to bottom. For a more detailed
pattern add another pass across the project from left
to right. Experiment with the different widths of gap
between Twine rolls for interesting
effects.
Collage flattening
Apply Multi Medium to the project
and collage favourite SB Papers
together. Roll the Brayer lightly
over the top to remove any
bumps and air pockets in the
collage.
Kaszazz Pty Ltd | ABN 22 068 137 075 | PO Box 2371 • Port Adelaide • South Australia 5015 | Ph (08) 8244 3220 • Fax (08) 8244 3102
Last Updated: 21 September 2015
Gesso over collage
After creating a collage, add a
few dabs of white Gesso and roll
out with the Brayer, this will mute
the colours and harsh edges of the
collage, creating a cohesive look.
Multiple ink rolling
To create an interesting
background; choose several
favourite colours of inkpads. Starting
from lightest to darkest, ink the
Brayer and
roll across the cardstock, layer
each colour partially to blend
together. To create a sunset scene
begin with a yellow middle, add
orange to the top and blue to
the bottom. Distress inks work
well to blend together with
this technique. Add favourite
silhouette stamps with Archival
Ink and the project will pop.
Adding paint to stamps
Stamping with paint can be
tricky to do without creating
puddles, using a Brayer can
make this technique simple and
fun. Apply a puddle of paint the
width of the Brayer roller to a
Craft Sheet, roll the Brayer in the
paint until it is coated. Rolling
the Brayer across the stamp
lightly will enable it to be inked
up without delicate details
becoming filled in with excess
paint. Stamp onto the project
for a lovely painted effect
which will also dry very quickly.
Make sure to clean the stamp before
the paint dries to keep it in good condition.
Painting Chipboard quickly
Painting Chipboard with tools such as Paintbrushes and
dabber tops can result in uneven marks in the final finish.
Using a Brayer will eliminate this and can allow many
pieces of chipboard to be painted quickly. Apply a
puddle of paint the width of the Brayer to a Craft Sheet.
Roll a Brayer in the paint until it is well coated and apply it
to any of the great Chipboard range.
Rolling out Dylusions
Spray water all over a Tag,
and then spray two colours
of Dylusions Sprays at the
bottom. Moving quickly, roll the
Brayer upwards until the Tag is
covered. The colours will blend
together in a great pattern.
Add a stamped image over
the top for great effect.
Stamping with embossing
folders
Choose a favourite Embossing
Folder. Either side can quickly
become a stamp using either paint
or ink and a Brayer. Ink up the Brayer
and roll it across the chosen side
of the Embossing Folder until well
covered. Place the Embossing Folder
on a Tag and apply gentle pressure.
Rub all over the back of the inked
area to ensure it is cleanly applied.
If a shabby look is desired, rub gently
without too much pressure and it will be
applied with less definition and more texture.
Double Dylusions stencil
Choose a Stencil and 3
complimentary colours of
Dylusions Sprays. On a spare
piece of paper add two of the
sprays to the Stencil. Lift carefully
and lay flat on a Tag. Roll the
Brayer gently over the top of the
Stencil to ensure even pressure.
Do NOT lift the Stencil. Put the
Brayer away and spray the third
colour of Dylusions Spray over the Stencil, this will
ensure that there is ink in both the positive and negative
parts of the Stencil. Gently lift the Stencil and pat the
sprayed area with paper towel. This creates a vibrant and
unique background.
Important Brayer care:
• Clean the Brayer after creating to avoid a buildup of
paint which can cause bumps on the roller and stop it
from rolling smoothly.
• Be careful not to cut or gouge the roller with anything
sharp as this will show up when inking a smooth surface.
• Store the Brayer upright or upside down so that the roller
is not resting against a surface. If left face down, or in
the heat this can create a flat spot.
Special thanks to Leeann Koesters for creating these
great technique tags.
Kaszazz Pty Ltd | ABN 22 068 137 075 | PO Box 2371 • Port Adelaide • South Australia 5015 | Ph (08) 8244 3220 • Fax (08) 8244 3102