What is lino printing?

What is lino printing?

Lino printing, also known as Linocut, or Linoleum art, has become a popular art form in recent years, characterised as a fine art printmaking technique adopted by artists as an easy-to-carve, printmaking alternative to wood. Similar to woodblock printing, it involves creating a type of relief made from Linoleum, a material traditionally used as a floor covering that is made from linseed oil and cork. “Lino” is typically grey in colour and rubbery in texture, though in recent years a variety of lino blocks have become available, from traditional lino to vinyl, transparent and soft-cut lino. The printmaking process involves creating a design and carving it into the linoleum with a gouge or chisels, which is then coated with ink, with paper placed over it, which is then pressed or rolled by hand or in a printing press to transfer the ink and design onto the paper.

Lino printing history

Linoleum was invented in 1860 by Fredrick Walton, by heating linseed oil in thin layers that then thicken and rubberise, which is then held together with a mesh constructed of strong threads. Lino printing became a popular art technique with artists in the Twentieth Century, primarily with the German Expressionists, Russian Constructivists, and renowned artists such as Picasso and Matisse adopting the medium. 

Tools to do the job

There are a few tools you’ll need to get started with Lino printing, including:

• Linoleum: The Nuart Easy Cut PVC Lino 12 x 12 Inch (30.3 x 30.3cm) or the Vinyl Relief Plate 200 x 300mm are both great options for carving your design into.
• Lino Tools with various sized blades such as the Mont Marte Premium Wood Carving Tool Set 12 or the Micador Lino Carving Tools - Easy Grip
• Block Printing Ink (You can water-based or oil-based ink, but bear in mind that oil-based ink will take longer to dry than water-based ink. Water-based inks are also easier to clean up and don’t require the use of solvents). The Derivan Block printing ink is a fantastic non-toxic, water-based ink that is available in a variety of colours and can also be mixed to create customised colours. 
• Roller/Brayer: (A hard brayer will allow the ink to sit on the surface of the cast, while a soft brayer will allow ink to run into the carved-out areas as well as the top of the design). 
• Paper: (A heavyweight, printmaking paper or mixed media paper is best, however, you can experiment with different papers for different effects)
• A Baren or a clean Brayer for pressing the ink onto the paper
• Newsprint to protect your art station and for lying your prints to dry on.
• Glass or a clean, flat and non-porous surface for rolling out the ink.
• Safety Hand Guard (Not essential, however, it is useful for keeping your hand safe and cut-free)
• Box cutters for cutting the linoleum down to your desired size and shape. 
• A Cutting Mat the Cutting Mat A2 - 600 x 450mm to protect your workbench.