A Japanese office stencil duplicator that prints in soy-based spot colours—now beloved by zinesters for its grain, misregistration, and electric palette.
Like a cross between screenprinting and a photocopier — soy ink is pushed through a paper stencil wrapped around a rotating drum.
- ▸One color per drum. Swap drums to add more colors.
- ▸Ink is wet and a bit messy, which gives that grainy, vibrant look.
- ▸Cheap per copy, perfect for zines and posters.
History
Riso Kagaku introduced the Risograph in 1986 as a high-volume duplicator for schools and offices. Discovered by independent publishers in the 2000s, it became central to a global zine and small-press renaissance.
Process
- 01
The Riso burns a master sheet for one ink colour using a thermal head.
- 02
Master wraps around a coloured ink drum.
- 03
Paper passes underneath and ink is forced through the master.
- 04
Swap drums (one per colour) and re-feed paper for each layer.
- 05
Embrace the natural shifts in registration and ink coverage.
Strengths
- +Bright unique inks
- +Cheap per print at volume
- +Distinctive grainy aesthetic
Limitations
- −No fine registration
- −Smudges if rushed
- −Limited drum colours per machine
Sources & citations
References for the history and process described above.
- 01What is Risograph Printing? — Victoria & Albert Museum
- 02Riso Printing: A Complete Guide — Stencil — Riso Manual (RISO Kagaku)