Linoleum block printing can seem very intimidating at first, but with a little guidance and the right tools, it’s really a great new medium that all artists should give a try at least once. There are many tools that are needed to complete a linoleum block print from start to finish.
While researching we ran into the query “How to make a linoleum block print?”.
One common answer is, when you have finished carving, you can start to print. You can make corrections after you have made a print. To make a print you want to put a pea-sized blob on paint on a plate and roll it out with the roller. When it gets tacky you can roll it on your block.
One frequent answer is, choose your material. It takes a great deal of care and a set of specialized tools to carve print blocks from wood or linoleum. Draw the design you want to create on a piece of paper. Transfer your design onto the block you will be carving. Carve your design into the surface of the printing block. This is easier said than done, and an elaborate carving can take many hours, even days or weeks. Proof your printing block by making several test prints. Make initial prints on practice paper to fix details and find any imperfections in the carving.
So, how do you print on linoleum?
A design is cut into the linoleum surface with a sharp knife, V-shaped chisel or gouge, with the raised (uncarved) areas representing a reversal (mirror image) of the parts to show printed. The cut areas can then be pulled from the backing. The linoleum sheet is inked with a roller or (called a brayer), and then impressed onto paper or fabric.
When we were reading we ran into the question “How do you print on a lino block?”.
(See printing with a brayer directions) Paper is placed on the plate and rubbed lightly. Repeat until you have an edition of prints. This is a video of printmaker Bill Fick working on a lino block print. Middle school students will appreciate the subject matter.
While I was writing we ran into the question “What supplies do I need to make a lino block print?”.
This is a great place to start if you’re new to lino cutting and want a breakdown of how you make a block print and what supplies you need. Including ink, carving tools and brayers. I break down my findings from trying 17 block printing inks to see which ones work the best for printing on paper and textiles.
Block Printing With Wood or Linoleum Choose your material. Draw the design you want to create on a piece of paper. Transfer your design onto the block you will be carving. Carve your design into the surface of the printing block. Proof your printing block by making several test prints. Prepare the block for printing.
What is a linocut, Lino or linoleum print?
Linoleum (or alternative)Linocutting / carving tools. Lino cutting sets – consisting of a plastic or wooden handle with cheap replaceable blades that you throw away when blunt., and printing ink. Roller (or brayer)Burnishing tool. Pencils, pens, ruler and eraser.
What is a Lino print?
A lino print results when a piece of linoleum has had pieces cut out of it, been inked and been printed. Here kids will make a linoleum block print.
How do I transfer my design to a linoleum block?
To be sure that the transfer paper does not slip, take the transfer paper and tape it to the linoleum block. Be sure to cover the entire block with transfer paper, if you don’t, some of your design will not transfer to the block. After you have taped down the transfer paper, position your design, facing the drawing side up.
Some resources say you need to remove the linoleum first. Others say you can install the tiles over top of the linoleum. And others recommend covering the linoleum floors with primer to improve adhesion. Our linoleum floors had some texture, but it wasn’t as highly textured as other linoleum floors we looked at in our local box stores.
How do I paint a linoleum floor?
To complete the painting project, you will need: Latex primer, paint, painters tape Paint rollers and brushes. Rags to wipe up overlaps or drips of paint. Caulk for tears, rips or tiny holes in linoleum flooring. Sandpaper in 80- and 120- and 220-gritsheets and orbital sander if working with large spaces.