3to 5 Hours
Design and Transfer
Keep your first design bold and simple: thick lines and solid shapes print more
Design and Transfer
Keep your first design bold and simple: thick lines and solid shapes print more reliably than fine detail. Draw your design on paper, then transfer it to the lino block by tracing it face-down with a pencil and rubbing the back, or by using graphite
Carve the Block
Work with a set of linocut gouges.
Carve the Block
Work with a set of linocut gouges. V-gouges cut fine lines and outlines; U-gouges remove large background areas quickly. Always cut away from your hands and body. The lino will be easier to carve if you warm it slightly with a heat pad or by leaving it
Ink and Print
Apply a thin, even layer of oil-based or water-based block printing ink to your
Ink and Print
Apply a thin, even layer of oil-based or water-based block printing ink to your block using a rubber brayer. Roll in two directions to ensure full coverage. The ink layer should look velvety, not glossy or patchy. Lay your paper on top, press firmly and
Registration for Multi-Color Prints
For two or three color prints, cut a separate block for each color or use the
Registration for Multi-Color Prints
For two or three color prints, cut a separate block for each color or use the reduction method (carving away more of the same block between colors). Registration keeps each layer aligned. Tape a sheet of paper to your work surface as a guide, mark where
Paper and Ink Selection
Japanese tissue papers like Kozo and Mulberry accept ink beautifully and are traditional choices. Cartridge paper and smooth cardstock also work well. Avoid heavily textured papers for detailed work. Water-based inks clean up easily with soap and water and are better for home use. Oil-based inks give richer, more permanent results but require mineral spirits for cleanup.
"The moment you peel the paper back from the block for the first time is genuinely exciting. You never see it quite the way you expected, and that gap is where the interesting work begins.
"KaiRenner26th of April 2026
Storing and Caring for Your Block Clean ink from the block immediately after printing using a damp cloth for water-based inks or a small amount of vegetable oil followed by soap for oil-based inks. Store blocks flat and away from heat. A well-maintained lino block can be re-inked and printed from many times, making limited edition runs easy to revisit.