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 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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