How to Create Incredible Potato Prints with the Best Tools & Materials

I have a new Skillshare class (my very first one!) all about how to make custom printed napkins with potato stamps. Who says potato printing is just for kids? Certainly not me. This post lists all the tools and materials I use in that class, but have no fear, you can get started with as little as a potato, a knife, a sheet of paper, and some paint. It’s time to starch your creativity!

I’ve listed multiple vendors including Dick Blick, Amazon, and Etsy. Please note that all of the Amazon links are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through Amazon using one of these links I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Tools for Potato Printing

Paint Brushes

You can use any size or shape paint brush you have around. These two sets have a nice variety of shapes and sizes to play around with and come at an affordable price.
Blick
Amazon

Stipplers

A stippler is really just a sponge on a stick. I like using stipplers to apply paint to my potatoes because it gives an even application and the paint is less likely to creep into the carved areas of more detailed stamps. If you don’t want to bother purchasing a stippler you can always use a regular kitchen sponge.
Blick
Amazon

Cookie Cutters

There is a virtually endless variety of cookie cutters out there in the world. If you have a shape in mind for your potato prints just Google it and I’m sure you’ll find what you are looking for. I really like these two sets of cookie cutters, one is geometric shapes and the other is weather-based with fun clouds, stars, and rainbows. BUT I bet you have a cookie cutter or two lying around your house already. Even if it’s a holiday cutter you can always get a jump on your gifting game.
Geometric Cookie Cutter Set
Weather Cookie Cutter Shapes

Other Small Tools You Might Want

In my Skillshare class, I list a few additional tools I like to use for potato printing and in my usual block printing practice. None of these items are necessary to do potato printing, but a few of them make things a little easier.

Low Tack Masking Tape

Butcher Tray Palette

Olfa Slide Lock Utility Knife

Craft Foam Sheet

Materials for Potato Printing

Inks for Printing on Paper

If you plan to print only on paper you can use any stamp pad, acrylic paint, or gouache. I love the All Purpose Ink pads from Yellow Owl Workshop (made in LA!) they come in great colors and can be used on fabric or paper.
Holbein Acrylic Gouache
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set

All Purpose Ink Pads from Yellow Owl Workshop

Inks for Printing on Fabric

There are lots of fabric printing inks out there, but I’ve tried both of these and they work well. If you don’t want to buy a bunch of colors I highly recommend buying red, yellow, and blue and mixing your own custom colors. It’s also helpful to have white and black if you want to make lighter or deeper colors.
Versatex Screen Printing Ink

Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Inks

Paper

I like to test out stamps and pattern ideas on paper and sometimes it’s easiest to just buy a roll of brown paper so I can tear off as much as I need or use a bunch to make custom wrapping paper. I have also really been enjoying a 100% cotton handmade paper made in India called Khadi, it’s soft with a little bit of texture and takes stamps well.

Roll of Brown Kraft Paper

Khadi Handmade Paper

Pad of Newsprint

Cloth Napkins

You can print on any fabric, but for me, it was easiest to get started using a cloth napkin. In the future, I hope to do some more printing on tablecloths, table runners, maybe a tote bag, and a bandana for my pup Orla. These are the linen napkins I use in the course, but you can find tons of options on Etsy.

Organic Linen Napkins

I hope that list answers all of your questions about the tools and materials I use. If you have any questions be sure to reach out and ask using my contact form or you can always join my email list to learn more. Happy Printing!