Our studio

Second State Press provides a professional studio with presses, basic tools, workspace for executing prints, and flat files to store work and materials.

By providing artists with the appropriate space and facilities, we encourage printmakers to explore and engage in artistic dialogue with fellow peers in the Philadelphia arts community.

Studio FAQs

Become a member!

The first step in your Second State Press journey is to purchase an annual membership. Your membership also supports the everyday functions of SSP!

Learn more

Facilities

Exposure unit, maximum screen size of 30″ x 38″
Washout Room
Automatic one-arm press with vacuum
6 yd. fabric printing table with registration bar for printing yardage
Hinges for tabletop printing
Darkroom for exposing screens
Squeegees (varying sizes)
Scoop coaters (varying sizes)
Pressure washer
Screen storage rental available
4 Charles Brand Intaglio Presses
-26 x 48” press bed (x 2)
-20 x 40” press bed
-28 x 50” press bed
Vandercook No. 2 Proof Press (without furniture)
Plate exposure unit, maximum plate size of 32” x 28”
Plate warmer
Plate cutter
Tarlatan cloth
Vertical ferric acid bath, approx. 22 x 24”
Various soaking trays for large scale etchings
Proofing inks
2 Charles Brand Lithography Presses:
-30″ x 50″ press bed
-24″ x 40″ press bed
Plate exposure unit 32” x 28”
Litho Stone Library
Cheesecloth
Gum arabic
Leather rollers
Pearl treadle-driven platen press
Vandercook proof press
Tabletop manual clamshell press
Various furniture and moveable type
3 large work tables approx. 4 x 8 ft each
Flat files available for rental
Paper cutter
Rulers, tear bar, cutting mats
Lightbox, 23 x 28”
Ventilated booth for spray paint and solvents
Paper soaking sink
Washout sink
Paper blotters
Paper flattener
Drying racks for wet and dry processes
Rags for clean up
Rollers and brayers
Newsprint