Etsy :: The Storque :: How-To :: Gocco Printing: A How-To Video

Gocco Printing: A How-To Video


Story by brepettis, julieincharge Published on September 3, 2008 in How-To	Photo by BrePettis

This article was originally published on February 12, 2008. We are reviving it as part of the Best of the Storque series. Enjoy!

It's an Etsy How-To Video with the wonderful julieincharge! This week we'll be talking about Gocco printing, which is a way of printing that uses a kit from Japan. If you've ever wanted to do screenprinting but have been too intimidated, Gocco is the way to go. I sat down with Julie and she walked me through how to make a sweet little Valentine card.

MP4 | HD | Youtube | Blip

First things first for your project ...

Supplies Needed for Gocco Printing

If you buy a new PG-5 kit, it should come with all of the following to get you started:

B-6 masters (screens)
Print Gocco Lamp (bulbs)
Riso Gocco ink for paper
Riso Gocco pens OR photocopy images (no larger that 3.5” x 5.5”)
adhesive blocking strips (optional)
2 AA batteries
Gocco cleaner
blue filter (for use with photocopies)

There are many different applications and ideas for Gocco: greeting cards, postcards, business cards, notecards, envelopes, invitations, stationary, napkins, tags, labels, stickers, bookplates, art prints, zines, small books … the list goes on!

Let's Go Gocco

Once you've got your supplies and an idea, the first thing you want to do is make your design. You can do it on the computer or by hand, but you're going to want carbon to be in the ink of whatever you do, so you'll want to photocopy your project or use a special pen. Some laser printers work, too.

Once you've got your design, it's time to make the screen. Make sure there are batteries in your printer and put the screen in with the blue part facing out. Load the flashbulb holder with two flashbulbs. (Make sure to wash your hands when you're done since they are toxic.)

Flash your screen, and you're all set to start printing. Apply the Gocco inks to your screen. If you're going to use more than one color, use the foam blocker that Julie shows in the video to separate the different colors.

Then start printing! I was super impressed by how fast this whole process went! If you have leftover ink on your screen, you can put it in a plastic bag and keep it for later.

Once you've got your cards, get them set up in your Etsy shop. A quick search for Gocco cards will give you an idea of the amazing and wonderful possibilities that await you when you fall down the rabbit hole that is Gocco printing.

I'm also on the lookout for Gocco tips and tricks. The next time you do Gocco printing and notice that you have a special way of doing things that isn't mentioned in the video, write us a note, leave a comment, or make a little video showing your Gocco skills!

Further Resources

Gocco Suppliers:
PrintAddictJapan.etsy.com
alittlegoodness.etsy.com
FeltCafe.etsy.com
pearlpaint.com
Paper-Source.com
think-ink.net (They sell a great handbook called The New Gocco Guide by Claire Russell)

Other Gocco-related Websites:
SaveGocco.com
www.Gocco.com
www.flickr.com/groups/Gocco

If you've got other suppliers or related websites you'd like us to know about, leave a note in the comments. Check out our past Gocco related posts — and items!

Tags	Best of The Storque, BrePettis, gocco, HOW-TO, instructional, instructions, learning, printing, video

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111 comments Login to add your own!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 8:42 p.m.

SweeterThanMeBridal

I've always wanted to try gocco and now I'm going to buy a kit for sure!! I'm so excited, thanks for the lesson!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 8:50 p.m.

6060

wow.. this is so cool, I saw ppl selling this but I have no idea who it works. Awesome! Thanks for showing us!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:01 p.m.

heliumstudioandpost

Thanks for highlighting the Gocco process!

Since you asked :) here are a few examples of my work:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:19 p.m.

contrary

So awesome Julie and Bre!! You made it look soooooo easy!

thanks!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:25 p.m.

knittergirl

I've combined my love of Gocco and Polaroid.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:41 p.m.

daniellexo

This how-to is perfect! Anyone can gocco print after watching this!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:42 p.m.

annacote

go gocco go!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.

Emmakat

Great video! I've got myself set up:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

And hopefully more to come soon! Thanks for asking. :)

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:45 p.m.

Emmakat

Great video, I've got myself set up:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

And hopefully more soon! Thanks for asking! :)

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:46 p.m.

Emmakat

oops sorry for the double post, looked like etsy ate my comment even after refreshing, but now there are two.

Feb. 12, 2008 at 9:54 p.m.

ArgyleWhale

I didn't know the bulbs were coated in poison! Ack! Thanks for saving my life Julie.

ps: my whole shop is full of Gocco. it is my favorite thing ever.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:04 p.m.

rewindforward

I want a Gocco! I'd make prints of LLAMAS and stuff!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:10 p.m.

prettygreeneye

carp! i've wanted one for so long, but fear it like i fear a trick knee! thanks for showing us - it looks so easy. im still freaked out about the inking process.
awesome video.

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:12 p.m.

VIXEmporium

that was a great video!
we do gocco designs too. that kit was the best xmas gift ever!!! it really is easy to do. we have cards now, and we'll do patches and other fabric things soon...

...perhaps even a llama...

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:19 p.m.

aplanetnamedjanet

Wet Paint in St Paul carries Gocco supplies.
http://www.wetpaintart.com/

I have been using gocco printing over digital prints.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:25 p.m.

octavineillustration

i love gocco!!!!!!!!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:31 p.m.

amuse

I love gocco.
My sister and I got one (she runs our shop with me) and we have gocco parties whenever we are home on the holidays.
It's so awesome!

I wish supplies were easier to come by...there's some great shops on etsy who sell supplies...just wish the local art stores carried 'em too.

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:35 p.m.

shoofly

Yay Julie and Bre, that was great! I'm a little over obsessed with the gocco, as you can probably tell by peeking in my shop. :)

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:52 p.m.

lpdesigns

Aww, wow! I loved this.

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:57 p.m.

aplanetnamedjanet

http://www.etsy.com/your_shop.php?ran...

Feb. 12, 2008 at 10:58 p.m.

katelynjane

Yay! I'm so glad you guys did this! I've been dying to know exactly how to Gocco print. I can't wait to buy my own kit (:

Feb. 12, 2008 at 11:02 p.m.

cyenobite

Bre's Back! The Llamas are very happy! I look forward to learning more about Etsy!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 11:08 p.m.

helloworldpress

yay for gocco! great tutorial!

i too made gocco valentines:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

can't wait to see what everyone makes next.

Feb. 12, 2008 at 11:22 p.m.

Odannysgirl

Thanks a lot Julie. Now I HAVE to get one of these! I even did a treasury on west about my obsession earlier today.

This just cements the whole thing really :)

Feb. 12, 2008 at 11:24 p.m.

sewbettie

i really really want one!

Feb. 12, 2008 at 11:36 p.m.

brepettis

Wow, thanks to everyone who commented!

And for all the folks posting about their gocco work! I'm going to go check it out now!

rewindforward and cyenobite - *pling* (the sound of bonus points)

Feb. 13, 2008 at 12:32 a.m.

ArgyleWhale

What is all this talk of llamas?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 13, 2008 at 12:38 a.m.

julieincharge

Thank you all for the comments. I love everyone's Gocco prints. Etsy is a veritable Gocco gallery. You guys are the best! xoxo

Feb. 13, 2008 at 4:39 a.m.

CreamBunBakery

Had a Gocco for christmas am now totally addicted!!!

Another good supplier is Northwood Studios, run by Judy Funk

http://northwoodstudios.tripod.com

Here aare my latest creations!!!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 13, 2008 at 5:34 a.m.

PiaJade

ooohh, me wants.
shame its so expensive.
im gonna have to try and save up and gets me one of these.
Ta for tutorial.
.
.
Llamas

Feb. 13, 2008 at 6:46 a.m.

emilyknits

this is a great tutorial, i ordered my gocco last week and can't wait for it to arrive!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 7:09 a.m.

FiberContent

Ohhh! I love it! Now if only we can get these babies distributed in the States... at least we have intrepid etsy sellers!!
Thanks Julie and Bre.

Feb. 13, 2008 at 7:20 a.m.

TwinDreamCreations

I will not try a new craft, I will not try a new craft, I will not try a new craft.....(keep repeating until I believe it).

Great video! :-)

Feb. 13, 2008 at 7:39 a.m.

minkeeprints

Woo Gocco! I looooooove gocco! And here's a link to one of mine, as requested!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 13, 2008 at 7:41 a.m.

ArtMind

Oh great! Now I want one! :)

Feb. 13, 2008 at 7:52 a.m.

tortillagirl

Wow, wow, WOW. Now I'm adding one of those toys to my wishlist. Thanks so much for sharing with this vid!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 8:21 a.m.

fadingflowers

Yeah I'm so glad someone wrote an article of this. I love to gocco anything especially custom orders on wedding invites

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Thanks for looking

Mrs. Fadingflowers

Feb. 13, 2008 at 8:35 a.m.

makemesmile

Thanks for this How-to.
I'm even more impressed now with the work of the gocco sellers on etsy. But it looks fun doing =^x^=

Feb. 13, 2008 at 8:37 a.m.

jperegrine

I've wanted one of these for years but was never clear exactly how to use one. Thanks for the great video lesson (and links to sellers) ... now I will finally own a gocco! Can't wait to play!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.

UglyKitty

Loved it! Gocco is SO much fun. I was definitely scared of it at first, but now, much to my boyfriend's annoyance, I Gocco everyday!

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/uglykitt...)

Feb. 13, 2008 at 9:16 a.m.

PortButtonsViNtAgE

I always wondered what the process looked like!
I am using a great deal of restraint by not buying one of these....I have to focus on my jewelry shop...too many supplies and too little time!!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 9:16 a.m.

brepettis

argylewhale - *pling pling*

Feb. 13, 2008 at 9:28 a.m.

pookeh

i have always been intrigued by grocco but it all seemed so intimidating to me. turns out, it's no sweat and just *mildly* toxic! ;) sweet! thanks, julie. thanks, bre. i'm definitely gonna have to look into get me one of these now. . .

Feb. 13, 2008 at 9:28 a.m.

mamabetsy

"Wow, i mean just wow"

Is there any limit to the amount of talent on this site? I have a whole new love interest now.

Feb. 13, 2008 at 9:50 a.m.

mizusugi

I love it!!! Now I want to buy tons of them for my friends to have a gocco party!

Thank you!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 10:02 a.m.

abitabite

Awwww!

i saw madelaine!

bun up bow bo!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 10:09 a.m.

Art2ArtColorado

good job on the video! *it is so nice that those of us beyond driving range to the Labs can be a part of them like this... and also that you all are fostering creative growth & the exploration of new media and techniques!

(i remember when gocco first came out and i always wanted one too...so, i am restraining myself from hitting the supplier links)

well done & more, more!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 10:12 a.m.

rhojobaldwin

Say it ain't so...another gadget I MUST have...how about printing on fabric?

Feb. 13, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.

punkahontas

Great video Julie! Per your request, here is a link to my first attempt at Gocco:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/punkahon...

PS. The lab coats were a nice touch!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 10:32 a.m.

madebythem

Oh Poo! Seems just about everyone here is having a good time with their Gocco apart from me. Everytime I use it I can't get a good exposure on my screen - just comes out patchy like a bad photocopy... even after watching this vid!

Any advice?

Feb. 13, 2008 at 10:58 a.m.

SugaNspice

Great vid! I love my gocco :)

Feb. 13, 2008 at 12:32 p.m.

LASdesigns

Oh NO! Now I want a gocco!!! How fun.

Feb. 13, 2008 at 12:38 p.m.

PenguinLove

Great video! I just got my Gocco and Julie helped me in the forums, she is so nice! I created these journals http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
and this card http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Someone above mentioned Northwood Studio for Gocco supplies. Their Gocco grrrl cleaner is awesome it even gets crusty old paint off.

Feb. 13, 2008 at 1:06 p.m.

sixsisters

thank you so much. Now I must get one !

Feb. 13, 2008 at 1:13 p.m.

Hwy40

Your video was great, thank you. Gocco-ing is addictive, with no surface safe! My next project...printing onto fabric.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 13, 2008 at 2:01 p.m.

Slowshirts

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

thanks you have given me one less thing to explain to people, i can now just steer them to this video!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 2:17 p.m.

Slowshirts

madebythem- they didn't cover it in this video, but are you using your blue filter screen during your exposing? it's supposed to be between the screen and bulbs (from what i understand, and have been doing) when using a photocopy as your original. With the carbon pens it is not needed. Also, the newer your copy the better i have found. Old copies often do not expose clearly.
Hope this helps! There's nothing worse then using up your last bulbs!

Feb. 13, 2008 at 4:48 p.m.

sarstar77

thanks for all the gocco info!
here are some of my 1st attempt at gocco. i must say...its a pretty cool little machine!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 13, 2008 at 7:33 p.m.

alittlegoodness

oh, you did a lovely job of showing how fun and easy gocco'ing is. thank you so much!! i can't get enough of my little gocco. wish i had more time. another great thing from this amazing country. japan.

Feb. 13, 2008 at 10:04 p.m.

claudiasburningink

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
I have only used my Gocco twice. I'm always running different directions all at once. :)

Feb. 13, 2008 at 11:38 p.m.

315thomas

yay gocco! i have some sweet gocco printed cards in my shop...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...

Feb. 14, 2008 at 12:32 a.m.

kiowax

Very awesome and educational (in an awesome kind of way)!

Feb. 14, 2008 at 6:56 p.m.

JoyfulAbode

Man, I really want one now.
I'd print up my sweet hedgehogs, squirrels, owls, and llamas.

Feb. 14, 2008 at 7:10 p.m.

AlyTheRed

I found one, old style, at goodwill!!! Haven't used it yet. The video tutorial was really helpful to me. Thanks so much. You rock.

Feb. 15, 2008 at 12:57 p.m.

thepairabirds

*sigh* I want a gocco.

Great tute! I will be on the hunt to find a gocco:)

Feb. 15, 2008 at 7:02 p.m.

EtsyStore

Will you be my boo? Here are the cards that were printed in the video:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Feb. 16, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.

prettygreeneye

is anyone around? can i use my pencil drawing to burn the screen or should i go over the pencil with the gocco pen?

Feb. 18, 2008 at 2:58 a.m.

JoelleDolceBebe

Great Video!
I just posted it on my Myspace blog.
Im Promoting ETSY on my profile & added a few of your Videos!

So cool!
Now I want to try it too!
you two were great & so fun!
Thanks for sharing!
gota go see everyones links!
Cheers! ~

Feb. 21, 2008 at 2:31 a.m.

phoebe1

also- etsy has a gocco street team:
http://team.etsy.com/profilest/gocco....

Feb. 23, 2008 at 5:11 p.m.

brookerpie

I love this!

I've worked with the THEREMOFAX technique with my students to make quick easy silkscreens.

Has anyone else used this process?

Feb. 24, 2008 at 9:55 a.m.

LefthandOriginals

Thanks so much Etsy! After watching your video I gained the confidence to create my first ever gocco print! It is super cute. In all of its sparrow tattoo style glory.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
You have also inspired me to create a "how to clean up your gocco" tutorial. I shall post it here once it is completed. (Give me a couple of weeks as I might not be able to tear myself away from gocco at the current moment.

Feb. 24, 2008 at 4:02 p.m.

AmeliaDesign

Thank you! This is so cool!!!! Can't wait to get one (even though my mom doesn't get it lol my dad does since he works in graphic design).

Feb. 24, 2008 at 4:27 p.m.

AmeliaDesign

Does any one know about the fabric gocco printers? Could you do a tutorial on them? Anything special about them? Can you print paper on them too?

Thanks

Feb. 26, 2008 at 2:36 p.m.

jperegrine

Oh my gosh! This is so much fun! I've wanted a Gocco for years but didn't really know how to use it or where to get one. Your video was so inspiring.

Here are my first prints!
http://flickr.com/photos/armchairgyps...

I'm in love! Thank you etsy!

Feb. 28, 2008 at 11:33 a.m.

madelaine

Yay! How cool. It was very strange (but awesome) to see myself in an etsy video.

(Too bad my name is not spelled Madlane). :P

Feb. 28, 2008 at 1:26 p.m.

BELLACOSAART

Great job, loved the video, made it look so easy. Made me totally want one.
Now I need to decide if it is right for me. I would really like to give it a try.
I also need to find the best, most reliable place to get one.
I will be in San Francisco soon, maybe I could pick one up there.

Feb. 29, 2008 at 12:39 a.m.

CheesecakeBree

Oh, I just bought a Gocco machine!! I'm so excited you made a how-to video, I haven't printed anything yet because just reading the directions that came with the kit didn't really help me visualize how it worked. This video demonstration and tips have really helped, I'm definitely going to start Gocco-ing now. Thanks a bunch!

July 3, 2008 at 9:17 a.m.

MangoMoose

I'm selling a gocco machine here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 3, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.

kittycrossbones

Can you print on fabric with this??

July 3, 2008 at 10:46 p.m.

MangoMoose

You can, but you'll need to special gocco fabric inks.

July 9, 2008 at 3:52 p.m.

chrispiascik

This is a great video thanks! It was incredibly helpful. It inspired me to hunt one down myself! Here's my first print: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 30, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.

pgandwooster

Thanks Danielle for sending me the link to this. I am totally inspired and now on the hunt for my own gocco!

Sept. 3, 2008 at 1:13 p.m.

frogwitch

I'm so sad... I have wanted to try this out for awhile but now that the products are discontinued... I don't think its gonna happen :(

Sept. 3, 2008 at 1:22 p.m.

sugarcookie

Check out my Gocco prints!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Sept. 3, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.

ChickadeeSocialClub

Gocco machines haven't been made for distribution in the US for some time now, but I just learned from a friend in Japan that the company that makes the Gocco machines has stopped manufacturing them altogether! So sad...

Sept. 3, 2008 at 1:51 p.m.

thepairabirds

I've always wanted to try gocco printing. But, with the production of supplies ending, I won't get a chance:(

I hope someone starts manufacturing them again.

Sept. 3, 2008 at 4:03 p.m.

autumnsarrival

Nope- still intimidated! I like to keep things like this to the professionals so I can envy them :) I do need to find something quick and easy to make my tags, though. Mine take forever cutting out & glueing the layers together....I need a good punch!

Sept. 3, 2008 at 5:50 p.m.

treatzone

super-charming video! (helpful too!)

we also have a shop full of gocco goodness:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

and, not to be a downer, but i've heard rumors that riso is threatening to discontinue gocco again--does anyone know if this is true?

Sept. 3, 2008 at 6:24 p.m.

paperwren

My understanding is Riso will not be making the machines, but will continue to make the inks, screen, bulbs, etc.

I hope so anyway, or else I am in trouble!

Sept. 3, 2008 at 8:49 p.m.

RagnazIdnar

Riso has issued a statement about discontinuing gocco. As far as I know, it is official. All the sites I had been getting my supplies from have these disclaimers up now. Supplies will be shipped to the US suppliers presumably through December only? Supplies are kinda low everywhere and prices are up. :(

Sept. 3, 2008 at 9:23 p.m.

treatzone

thanks, paperwren! i hope that's right or i'm in trouble too.

Sept. 3, 2008 at 10:08 p.m.

happyfamily

What a great vid. We keep meaning to dust off our Gocco and get some cards up and yall just convinced us to do just that!

Sept. 4, 2008 at 2:21 a.m.

gRandola

what wonderful thing!!!!!!!
I love it!

Sept. 4, 2008 at 3:43 a.m.

tracychong

So cool! This is the first time I've seen the whole Gocco process.

Sept. 4, 2008 at 10:43 a.m.

julietaromano

it is so cool, i am impressed because it is really fast and easy!
i want one now!!!!!!!!!!

wonderful!

Sept. 4, 2008 at 12:22 p.m.

art2theextreme

I bought one last spring after learning about it and watching the video!

Here are some popular gocco sellers of mine..

I'M Yours Gocco Card
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Fish Family
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Sept. 4, 2008 at 1:01 p.m.

mykonos

oh, this is fun and easy to make the print!! will try!! thanks for sharing!!

Sept. 4, 2008 at 9:26 p.m.

nanouke

I never saw a gocco in action before! It looks like fun!
You should check fricdementol.etsy.com, she makes he most amazing things with gocco printing!

Sept. 4, 2008 at 11:47 p.m.

PinkfireDesigns

Great job! That looks like a lot of fun!

Sept. 7, 2008 at 9:33 a.m.

TokyoMommy

I am getting a gocco printer tomorrow for free...woo-hoo! I have been looking for one here in Japan for awhile now and oddly here they are regarded as a childs toy. I was told over and over again to check toys-r-us for one. I was surprised that there seemed to be no awareness of the cancer risk associated with the bulbs.

Sept. 14, 2008 at 5:19 p.m.

quarterpast6

I've wanted one of these amazing machines for years now. I can't get hold of one in the UK and am worried that if I do finally get one, the supplies will be limited and eventually run dry.

Does anyone know if there is any info on the subject?

Oct. 13, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.

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