It happens to every printmaker at some point—you’re delicately carving away at your printing block and suddenly your block  slips! Now there’s a big gouge right across your carefully carved design.

If you’re lucky, you can salvage it. Change the design slightly to accommodate the new line. Other times you have to start over from scratch.

Several years ago, I ran across this little gem: Lino Grip by Jack Richeson. It’s a black plastic sheet that’s slightly sticky on both sides. You place it on your work table, then place your linoleum block on top. The tackiness of the surfaces helps to hold your block in place while you carve.

I confess that I’ve only recently tried out my Lino Grip sheet. I got it on sale shortly before I moved (“Hey, what a great idea! I’ve got to try it out!) and only recently rediscovered it when I dug out my printmaking supplies.

And I’m actually very pleased with it. It has enough tack to hold my linoleum block in place against the force of my carving without being too sticky or making it difficult to move or rotate the block. No slipping blocks here!

I’ve noticed a couple drawbacks. One is the size—it might be too small to hold a very large block in place. Though larger blocks seem to be less prone to slipping anyway, due to their larger contact area with the tabletop. I’m not sure if it comes in multiple sizes or not.

Another drawback—more of a mild annoyance, really—is that the tacky surface picks up lint and linoleum crumbs. It’s difficult to get and keep clean. I haven’t tried washing it yet—that might remove the debris without damaging the tackiness. I also suspect that the tackiness will eventually wear off. I’ll definitely update you if I notice that happening!

In the meantime, it’s time to carve!

Have you ever tried Lino Grip or anything similar? How do you hold your block in place for carving?

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