Chalk and Cheesecloth Clarification in Mordant and Block Printing

Q: I am looking to try block printing and your article on mordant printing looks like a great place to start! In this article you reference using chalk but I’m not sure what exact material you mean when you say chalk. Also, is the cheesecloth meant to wrap the printing pad or the printing block?

A: When I make reference to chalk I am referring to Calcium Carbonate.

The cheesecloth is used to wrap around the print pad but really any open weave fabric will work. I’ve used everything from a loose weave rayon to silk screen fabric.