10 Tips To Help You Create The Perfect Lino Print

Lino printing is a versatile and rewarding art form that allows artists to create unique prints through a process of carving a design into a piece of lino. This technique dates back to the early 20th century and it has since become a very popular medium for artists and print makers.

The beauty of lino printing lies in its simplicity and accessibility, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced artists.

In my experience of teaching lino printing, I've noticed that certain students tend to feel quite frustrated. Some of them arrive with intricate designs in mind, hoping to bring them to life through lino printing. It's important to remind them that perfecting any skill - whether it's a new language, a musical instrument, or a new artistic technique - requires time and practice

That being said, there are some strategies that can make the learning process smoother and set you on the path towards creating a stunning lino print that you'll be excited to display on your walls.

But First Things First ……

What is Lino Exactly? A Quick History Lesson

Lino or its proper name, Linoleum, is a term used for a smooth floor covering made from a solidified mixture of linseed oil, flax, cork, wood flour and pigments, compressed down onto a hessian backing.

Linoleum was first created by an Englishman named Frederick Walton. It is said that one night in 1855, he forgot to seal a pot of linseed oil he was using as paint thinner, and a skin of solidified oil formed on top. He peeled it away and began to think of ways he could use the rubbery substance.

He began experimenting with ways to speed up the lengthy process of creating a solid usable product.

Within 14 years of its invention Linoleum was a common flooring found in many homes and businesses

replace with my own image

And When Did Lino Begin To Be Used As An Art Form?

The use of lino for creating art has a rich history, with German Expressionists like Erich Heckel and Gabriele Munter being among the first artists to use it in the early 20th century. Russian Constructivist artists began using lino prints by 1913, and black-and-white lino prints emerged in the UK in 1912, attributed to Horace Brodzky. The introduction of colour lino prints was influenced by Claude Flight, who taught lino prints techniques at the Grosvenor School of Modern Art in London from 1926 to 1930.

Picasso began producing lino prints in 1939, and he is often credited with the development of reduction lino print method , a technique where a single piece of lino is used to created multiple colours and layers on a print. While Picasso is often credited with making reduction lino prints popular, however, it is believed that this method was already in use by small-scale commercial printers before Picasso adopted it. In fact, it is believed that a printer of posters was the one who suggested to Picasso the potential of using the reduction lino prints method to maintain colour registration in his prints.

Lino prints continue to be a versatile and engaging medium for artists to express their creativity and produce captivating works of art.

Pablo Picasso - Bacchanale - 1959

But that’s enough history for now as you’ve all come to get some juicy tips so lets get on with it shall we?

10 Tips To Help You Create The Perfect Lino Print

To help you with your lino printing creations, I have compiled a list of ten useful tips to help you reach your goals

1 - Choose Your Lino

There are quite a few different types of Lino available, ranging from traditional Lino to alternatives like easy carve, soft cut, and Japanese vinyl. The alternative options are typically softer and more flexible, making them good for simpler designs. In contrast, traditional Lino is more versatile and suitable for both simple and intricate designs. Additionally, from an environmental point of view, traditional Lino is more Eco-friendly compared to the alternatives, as the latter are a form of plastic. Therefore, if you prioritise the environmental impact of your printing choices, choosing traditional Lino is the more sustainable choice.

2 - Plan Your Design Carefully

Planning your design beforehand is a good idea rather than immediately starting on the lino. This allows you to refine your design on paper before transferring it onto the lino, helping you avoid any errors and to make any adjustments.

3 - Use The Right Cutting Tools

When it comes to lino cutting tools, there is often a link between price and quality. Lower-priced tools are usually poorer quality, leading to quicker dulling and a need for more frequent replacements. This can make the process of cutting lino more challenging, less precise and more frustrating. If your budget allows, investing in higher-quality lino printing tools can make a huge difference in the outcome of your artwork. Choosing better tools can result in cleaner, more accurate cuts, enhancing the overall quality of your lino prints.

4 - Practice Proper Carving Techniques

Understanding how to effectively use your tools is important when working with materials like lino. Not only does it ensure a smoother cutting process, but it also makes it safer, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries to your fingers. To maintain a safe working environment, always remember to cut away from yourself and rotate the lino as needed. These simple practices can greatly reduce the likelihood of mishaps.

Fortunately, I have prepared an online tutorial that outlines the correct techniques for using lino tools. By following this guide, you will not only enhance your ability in handling the tools but also encourage a safer workspace.

Watch The Tutorial

5 - Test Your Print

Testing your design on a scrap piece of paper before printing on your final paper is good practice that can save you time, money, and frustration. By test printing, you can check the quality of your design, check for any errors, and make any adjustments before committing to the final print. This step can help you avoid wasting expensive paper and ink on prints that may not meet your expectations. Additionally, it allows you to fine-tune your design and ensures that it looks how you want it before producing multiple copies.

6 - Use The Right Ink

When it comes to printing on lino, it's important to use the right type of ink to get the best results. While acrylics, oil paints, and etching inks are popular mediums for artists, they are not suitable for lino printing. Acrylic paint will dry too quickly, making it challenging to work with. Oil paint and etching inks, on the other hand, are too oily, which can cause difficulties in the inking up and printing process.

For lino printing, I always recommend using relief printing ink as it is designed for this purpose. Relief printing inks are made to be rolled onto the lino surface. Whether you choose water-based or oil-based relief printing ink is a personal preference, but the key is to apply it evenly and to build up thin layers, to ensure a successful printing outcome. By using the right ink for lino printing, you can enhance the quality of your prints and make the process more manageable and enjoyable.

Here’s a useful tutorial showing you how to ink up your lino block

Watch The Tutorial

7 - Apply Even Pressure When Printing

Printing a lino block can be done in two ways: using a printing press or printing by hand.

When using a printing press, it is important to set the correct pressure to match the height of the lino block. This will ensure an even pressure is applied during printing, resulting in a consistent looking print.

On the other hand, printing by hand often involves using a Japanese Baron, a flat disc tool that is rubbed on the back of the paper in smooth circular motions. This allows you to control the pressure applied and achieve the desired outcome you require.

Regardless of the method you choose, maintaining a consistent pressure throughout the printing process is key to producing prints with an even look and with clear, crisp details.

If you would like to go down the hand printing route I have written a blog post showing you 4 ways to do so

8 - Experiment With Textures

Adding texture and tone to lino prints can turn them from being flat and two-dimensional to more dynamic and visually interesting pieces of art. One simple method is by experimenting with your cutting marks. By changing the depth and direction of your cut marks, you can create the illusion of texture in your prints, adding depth and character to your designs.

In addition to texture, tone can also enhance the visual impact of your lino prints. You can create tone by wiping away areas of ink before printing, giving a more painterly feel to your work. Another technique uses stencils to mask off areas of your design, allowing you to create ghost prints that can add layers of tone to your lino prints.

If you're looking to learn more about applying tone and texture to your lino prints I have a useful tutorial

Watch The Tutorial

9 - Clean And Sharpen Your Tools Regularly

Making sure your tools are sharp and clean is essential for smooth and efficient cutting of lino. Keeping your tools in good condition not only makes your work easier but also extends the lifespan of your tools. While there are professionals who can sharpen and clean your tools for you, learning how to do this yourself can save you money in the long run.

If you're interested in learning how to sharpen and clean your tools, I have an online tutorial showing you how.

Watch The Tutorial

10 - Practice And Have Fun

I’ve lost count the amount of times I’ve said this to my students but “practice, practice, practice”. Like with any art form, lino printing will improve with time and practice, so please don't be discouraged by mistakes and enjoy the creative process. You’ll get there, I promise.

A Bonus Tip - Lucky You

Attending a lino printing class can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you have the opportunity to learn from an expert, but you also get to connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for creativity.

If you live in Bristol or nearby, I offer a range of lino printing classes and workshops designed to suit individuals of any skill level. These sessions are held in both my studio and at Bristol Folk House.

By following these useful tips and honing your skills through practice, you can achieve lino printing perfection and create stunning prints to showcase your creativity

Happy Printing

Something Else You Might Find Useful

Over on my YouTube channel you will find a host of useful lino printing tutorilas from beginners through to more advanced techniques