Posts Tagged: linocut printing

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Which Material Should I Use For my Linocut Blocks?

On December 28, 2023 by Tamara With 0 Comments - Art Materials

Linocut is a printmaking technique similar to woodcut that uses a carved linoleum block to create an image. The block is inked and then pressed onto paper to create the print. You can use a variety of different materials for linocut blocks but like any material, each has advantages and disadvantages.

linocut printing blocks

Linocut printing block materials: Speedy Carve, battleship grey lino, golden lino, Speedy-Cut

Traditional Linoleum: Traditional lino is made from a burlap-backed grey linoleum. This is the most common type of linocut block material and the one you’re most likely familiar with if you’ve done any linocut printmaking in school. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to carve and produces sharp, detailed prints. However, traditional linoleum can become brittle with age and can crack if it is not handled carefully.

There’s also a version of traditional linoleum that is tan or golden in color rather than grey. This material is generally a bit softer and easier to carve than the grey version and doesn’t become as brittle over time but still produces sharp details.

You can get traditional linoleum that is mounted on wooden blocks or unmounted. Mounted lino is sturdier and less likely to curl or warp, because it is supported by the wooden block, but thicker, which can make positioning the paper a little more difficult.

I typically use unmounted lino because when I print, I place the block on the table first, then lay the paper down over it and apply pressure with a baren on the paper. You can place also the paper on the table, then place the inked block face-down on the paper and apply pressure to the back of the block. This method typically works better for the thicker mounted blocks and printing using a press rather than hand printing.

Vinyl Linoleum: Vinyl lino is a newer type of linocut block material that is made from a synthetic material. It is more expensive than traditional lino but is more durable and less likely to crack. The most common vinyl lino is Japanese vinyl, which has a blue side and a green side along with a black center. Either or both sides of the block can be carved.  It’s a little softer than traditional lino but still produces sharp, detailed prints though it can be a little difficult to transfer the design to the block.

Softcut Lino: Softcut lino is made from a softer, more flexible rubber-like material. It’s easier to carve than traditional lino, especially for intricate designs, and is also less likely to crack. However, Softcut lino is more expensive than traditional lino and it can be difficult to produce really sharp prints.

Rubber: Rubber is another popular material for linocut blocks. It is more flexible, less likely to crack, and easier to carve than linoleum, making it a good choice for beginners. Its flexibility also means it can be used to print on curved surfaces. However, rubber can be more expensive than linoleum and can distort under pressure, making the prints less clear. Speed Ball Speedy-Carve is a common brand.

Foam: Foam is another material that is becoming increasingly popular for linocut blocks. It is inexpensive, very easy to carve, and produces soft lines. However, foam is not as durable as linoleum or rubber and can easily be damaged.

The best material for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a traditional material that is easy to carve and produces sharp lines, then traditional linoleum—either the battleship grey or the golden version—is a good choice. If you are looking for a material that is more flexible and less likely to crack, then rubber or vinyl are good options. If you are looking for a material that is easy to carve and inexpensive, then foam may be a good choice.

Carved linocut blocks

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block printing inks block printing inks

Should I Use Water-based or Water-soluble Block Printing Inks?

On July 9, 2019 by Tamara With 2 Comments - Art Materials, Tips and Advice

While I don’t do it that often, I enjoy making linocuts. Well, I actually really enjoy carving the plates. Printing by hand, not so much. I think if I’m going to be doing them regularly or frequently, it might just be worth investing in a small press for printing them.

In the meantime, I’m going to try out an actual baren for printing, rather than the old wooden spoon I have been using. Hopefully that will make it easier to make the prints. It can be difficult to get good, even pressure over the entire print using the (curved) back of a spoon. I also find it tiring on my wrists and hands.

The other change I’ve made since the last time I made linocut prints is that I tried out a new printing ink. Traditional oil-based printing inks need to be cleaned up with solvents and I’m Super sensitive to mineral spirits. So I had been using Speedball’s water-based block printing inks. What I like about them is that they’re non-toxic, clean up (easily!) with water, are available in a good range of colors, and most colors have good to excellent lightfastness. They’re also inexpensive and readily available in most art and craft stores.

Speedball Water-Based Block Printing Inks

The issue I have with the Speedball Water-Based block printing inks is that their working properties aren’t as good as oil-based inks. They dry too quickly, especially in warm weather or in the winter when the indoor humidity is low. This makes it difficult to print the image evenly, since you have to work Very quickly. I’ve often only managed to get a couple good prints at a time, with many more that are poor quality—patchy or with faded areas. I do still use my Speedball inks for making proof prints, since they’re faster and easier to clean up and less expensive, so I don’t feel like I’m wasting the “good” ink.

Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink

The ink I’m currently trying out is Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink . And so far, I LOVE it. So far I’ve only tested out the black, but it handles much better than the water-based inks I had been using. And there’s a reason for that— Caligo Safe Wash is actually an oil-based ink. The beauty of this ink, however, is that it can be cleaned up with soap and water—no solvents needed! Much like the newer, water-mixable oil paints (which I also love), Caligo Safe Wash is made with a modified oil that can be cleaned up with soap and water.  Due to the oil base, it has a longer working time, so I find that it prints evenly, without the pale areas or patchiness I often get with water-based inks. The black color is rich and deep. I’m definitely planning on getting a few more colors to try out. On a side note—I also have a couple tubes of a different brand of water-based ink, Schmincke Aqua Linoprint Ink, that I haven’t yet had a chance to test out. I’ll be sure to update you on how that brand works once I’ve had a chance to try it!

But back to the Caligo Safe Wash ink. Drawbacks are the price—it’s not cheap. But then, high-quality artist’s materials never are. It also is not nearly as easy to clean up as a water-based ink. Yes, soap and water takes it off, but you have to be careful how you do it and when you introduce the water. The manufacturer’s instructions say to apply liquid soap to the inky surfaces and work it in well with a brush first and Then rinse it off with water. Water alone can cause the ink to stick and become non-water-soluble. I washed my blocks and tools off in the bathtub, since my sink is pretty small (tiny!), and it makes quite a mess! I find that it leaves a grey ink residue in the bottom of my tub that needs some extra cleaning to remove.

Overall, I really like the Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink . It handles like an oil-based ink, because it Is an oil-based ink, but it can be cleaned up without any harsh or toxic solvents. I will definitely continue to use this ink and will try out more of the colors in the product line. The Speedball’s water-based block printing inks shouldn’t be overlooked, however. They can certainly be an appropriate choice, depending on the circumstances. They are non-toxic and very easy to clean up and would be a great option for children or group classes.

Have you tried water-based or water-soluble printing inks? What did you think? What brands do you use and why?

Want to keep updated  and see more of what I’m working on? Sign up for my mailing list here and get a totally FREE digital download of a tiger linocut print. (I promise not to be spammy with my emails—I hate that too!)

* Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you. 

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