Lino

Lino and Relief Printmaking

Relief printing is the oldest way of making an image more than once: cut away everything you want to stay white, roll ink across what is left, and print. The discipline is that you are carving the negative, which takes most people a block or two to get used to.

What you need to start

A block, a cutter with at least two blades, a roller and ink. Softcut synthetic blocks cut with almost no resistance and suit beginners and classroom work. Traditional grey battleship lino is firmer, holds a crisper line, and cuts far better if you warm it first. A fine V blade cuts outlines; a wide U gouge clears the background, and trying to clear a background with a fine blade is what makes people give up.

Always cut away from your holding hand, and use a bench hook.

We stock Essdee blocks, cutters, rollers and block printing ink. See also papers and pads for printing stock. Stationerie, Kolkata, 25 years in art materials, shipped across India.