Lino printing, also known as lino cutting, is a printmaking technique that involves carving a pattern or design into a linoleum, rubber, or vinyl surface that can then be printed from. The linocut is a type of block printing, where the printing plate is cut into lino. Lino printing is a method of relief printing, which involves carving a drawing into a soft linoleum block, rolling a thin layer of ink over it, and pressing paper on top to transfer the image. Here are some key points about lino printing:
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Supplies: To start lino printing, you’ll need lino block, lino cutting tools, paper, printing ink, a smooth surface for rolling out ink, a palette knife, a brayer, and a baren (or anything smooth you can use to apply pressure, such as a wooden spoon or another, clean brayer) .
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Process: First, you carve a design into a linoleum block, roll block printing ink on it, and print it on paper. The areas where you have carved away often create quite beautiful results. Lino prints look bold and powerful, with hard lines, flat areas of color, and high contrast between the paper and ink.
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Benefits: Lino art is fantastic for making cards, gifts, and many other keepsakes. Lino printing is also a respected form of fine art, so this is an incredibly versatile medium to work in for artists looking to flex their creative muscles and try something new.
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Tips: If you’re having printing problems, try these tips to help you get the lino print results you’re looking for: getting ink printed where you don’t want? Stray marks? Try this linocut.
Lino printing is a great way to create multiple prints of an artistic piece using linoleum. It is an excellent introduction to the world of etching for beginners.
