Lino Printing

Lino Printing or Lino Cutting as it is also known is a block printing technique.  Lino printing is a relatively simple process and as a result is it widely used and is a great way to introduce children to the art of printmaking.  Lino printing was originally held in low esteem by the art world until Pablo Picasso made a series of lino prints in the 1950s.

Firstly choose a design to be printed.  A mirror image of this design is transferred to the lino block.  Typically this is done using tracing paper or sometimes the sketch is made directly to the lino block (you can also print of an image lay it ink side down on the lino and rub a pencil across the back this will create an ink impression on the lino). 

Areas of the design are then carved from the lino block.  The uncarved areas of the block are the parts that get printed.  At this point the lino block is inked with use of a roller and printed onto the substrate of your choice (as long as it’s flat. Although).  Typically this printing process is carried out manually but it can also be done using a printing press.  For most people the manually process is just fine but if you are looking for professional quality prints then a printing press is necessary

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Prints can be made using one or more colours.  If you use just one colour then the print is complete with only one block. However If you use multiple colours then once the first print is finished the lino block is cleaned and dried.  Another section of the lino block is then carved.  This new block will then be printed for the subsequent colour.  The process continues until all of the colours have been printed.

amazing Linoleum prints by Scott Avett

Scott Avett Printmaking from Ramseur Records on Vimeo.