Block & Lino Printing - Getting Started
Block and lino printing is a rewarding technique where you carve designs, then ink and press them to create prints. This section guides you through the basics including key tools like carving knives and brayers, the inking process, and the best paper types. Find tips on designing intricate patterns and explore different printing styles.
Linocut Printmaking for Beginners is a great place to start if you’re new to lino printing. Our Guide to Printmaking offers a more comprehensive overview.
A wide range of materials can be used for block and lino printing, providing everything you need to bring your designs to life. From high quality lino blocks and carving tools to vibrant inks, rollers and specialised printing papers, our curated collection supports all aspects of this creative process.
Visit relief and lino printing supplies for our complete range of tools and materials for relief printmaking.
Essdee : Lino Block : 3mm : SoftCut
£0.60
From £0.52
Cranfield : Caligo : Safe Wash Relief Ink
£8.80
From £7.48
Schmincke : Aqua Linoprint
£7.30
From £6.20
Lawrence : Original Linseed Oil Relief Ink
£8.50
From £7.22
Jackson's : Pure-Sol : Oil Paint Solvent and Brush Cleaner
£4.10
From £3.70
Jackson's : Hereford Printmaking Paper : 145gsm
£2.20
From £1.87
Getting Started with Block & Lino Printing: FAQs
Lino printing - also known as linocut or block printing - is a form of relief printmaking where you carve a design into a sheet of linoleum, roll ink onto the surface, and press it onto paper. It’s the same process for making woodcut prints, but blocks of wood are used instead of lino. Lino printing is an accessible and rewarding technique that is popular with both beginners and professionals.
Lino printing is a type of block printing that involves carving into a linoleum surface using special lino carving tools. The raised (uncarved) areas are inked using a roller (brayer) and then pressed onto paper by hand or with a printing press.
The result is a high contrast image that can be printed multiple times. Linocut is popular for its bold lines, repeatable designs, and the satisfying tactile process it offers.
To start lino printing, first sketch your design onto the lino block. Use lino cutting tools to carve out the negative space; what you cut away will remain the colour of the paper.
Once carved, roll out a thin layer of block printing ink using a brayer and apply it to the surface of your lino. Then, press your inked block onto your chosen paper. You can use a baren or spoon for hand-printing, or a press for more consistent results.
Carefully peel away the paper to reveal your print. Allow it to dry fully before layering or framing. Read ‘Lino Printing for Beginners’ on Jackson’s Art Blog to learn more about getting started.
The best ink for lino printing is specifically formulated block printing ink. You can choose between oil-based, water-based, or water-washable inks depending on your needs.
Oil-based inks offer rich colours and sharp detail, but take longer to dry. Water-based inks are easier to clean up and dry faster. Water-washable inks offer the benefits of oil without requiring solvents. Popular brands include Caligo Safe Wash, Schmincke, and Speedball. Schmincke College Linol Linoprint Ink is also a popular choice for beginners.
Acrylic paint is not recommended for lino printing. It dries too quickly and lacks the tackiness needed for clean, even coverage on your lino block. It can also damage your tools and result in patchy prints. Instead, it is best to use inks designed for relief or block printing to ensure proper adhesion, detail, and colour intensity.
The best paper for lino printing is typically smooth, absorbent, and strong enough to withstand the pressure of printing without tearing or warping.
Uncoated, acid-free papers are ideal, as they allow the ink to transfer evenly without smudging or bleeding. Lightweight Japanese papers, such as Awagami Washi, are favoured for hand-printing due to their strength and sensitivity to fine detail. For printing with a press, slightly heavier printmaking papers such as Somerset or Fabriano Rosaspina provide excellent results and hold up well under pressure.
If you're just starting out, it’s a good idea to try a sample pack of printmaking papers to explore different finishes and weights. Ultimately, the best paper for lino printing will depend on your chosen ink, printing method (by hand or with a press), and the level of detail in your work.
To learn more, read ‘Everything You Need to Know About Printmaking Paper’ on Jackson’s Art Blog.
Ready to start lino printing? Explore our full range of relief and lino printing supplies, including wood and lino blocks, carving tools, block printing inks, rollers, and specialist printmaking papers, to find everything you need for your next linocut project.