How to Lino Print for Beginners

This page is for everyone who is just starting out with linocut, maybe you’re just lino print curious. I’ve been writing about the process of making linocuts for over a decade and I’m going to try to point you in the right direction if you’re a beginner to lino printing.

What is Linocut?

First, let’s make sure we’re talking about the same thing. A linocut, or lino print, is a type of block printing. At its most basic, you carve a design into a linoleum block, roll block printing ink on it and print it on paper.

 
Modern Linocut Print, Switch by Rich Fowler

Switch - Linocut Print

 

Lino Print Supplies You’ll Need

One of the reasons I got into linoleum block printing is that you don’t need that many supplies to get started. You really can make an easy lino print at home with a small number of materials. Some links below will take you to Blick Art Materials and Amazon, where some block printing supplies are sold. I participate in their affiliate programs so if you click on those links, I would get a small commission if you end up purchasing something on the sites, but please shop at your favorite shop! You can find more details about this here. McClain's Printmaking Supplies is a smaller US company that also sells relief printing materials.

If you’re trying to put together a linocut kit, here are some popular supplies.

You’re going to want:

 
Linoleum Block and Lino Carving Tool by Boarding All Rows

Linoleum Block and Lino Carving Tool

 
  • Soft Rubber Brayer / Roller - I have numerous ranging from narrow to 12 inches wide. Speedball Soft Rubber Brayers are some of the most common affordable ones.

  • A Big Spoon (or Baren) - though I print on a press, most beginners use the back of a spoon or a baren to print.

  • Paper - if you’re printing by hand instead of a press you might find this post about printmaking paper helpful.

Inking a linoleum block with a brayer.

How to Make a Linocut

The process of making a lino print includes coming up with a design, carving it in a lino block and printing it with ink (not paint) on paper. These are posts that I’ve written over the years to break down the process of making a linocut. Start with the first resource below if you want an overview of the process.

Making a Lino Print Step by Step

Short Instagram Videos Demonstrating the Linocut Process

 
Desert Lino Print of a Ocotillo by Rich Fowler

Ocotillo - Lino Print

 

Lino Printing Problems? Try These Tips

If You Want More Linocut Help


Have fun linocutting, Rich

Last updated: September 17, 2024