Lino Printing for Beginners: Everything You Need to Get Started
Lino printing is a simple form of printmaking where a design is carved into a block, covered with ink and transferred onto paper. This guide takes you through the basic tools, techniques and steps needed to create your first print.
How Does Lino Printing Work?
Lino printing is a relief-printing technique. The areas you carve away remain blank, while the raised areas receive ink and create the finished print.
1
Design
Draw or transfer your design onto the printing block.
2
Carve
Remove the areas that you do not want to print.
3
Ink
Roll a thin, even layer of printing ink over the raised surface.
4
Press paper onto the block and carefully peel it away.
What Do You Need for Lino Printing?
You only need a small number of basic tools to start lino printing.
Printing Block
Traditional lino or a softer carving block forms the surface of your design.
Lino Cutters
Different shaped blades allow you to cut fine lines, broad channels and larger cleared areas.
Ink Roller
A roller, also known as a brayer, spreads an even layer of ink across the block.
Printing Ink
Relief-printing ink is designed to coat the raised surface without flooding your carved lines.
Paper
Many papers can be used, although smoother papers are often easiest when learning.
Pressure
You can transfer the design by hand, with a baren or using other suitable printmaking equipment.
Remember: What You Carve Away Does Not Print
Lino printing works in reverse. Areas left raised receive ink and appear in the finished print. Areas that have been carved away remain the colour of the paper.
Create Your First Lino Print
1. Choose a Simple Design
Start with bold shapes and clear lines rather than intricate detail.
2. Transfer the Design
Draw the design directly onto the block or transfer it from paper.
3. Carve Carefully
Cut away the areas that should remain blank in the finished print.
4. Roll Out the Ink
Spread a thin layer of ink onto a smooth surface until the roller is evenly coated.
5. Ink the Block
Roll evenly across the raised surface without forcing ink into the carved areas.
6. Position the Paper
Lower the paper carefully onto the block and avoid moving it once contact has been made.
7. Apply Pressure
Rub or press evenly across the back of the paper.
8. Reveal the Print
Carefully peel the paper away from one edge to reveal your finished design.
How Much Ink Should You Use?
Ink quantity has a major effect on print quality. Too little can produce pale, patchy prints, while too much can fill fine carved details.
Too Little
Pale colour, missing areas and uneven coverage.
About Right
Even coverage while carved lines remain clean and visible.
Too Much
Heavy printing with ink filling small details and carved channels.
Common Lino Printing Problems
Patchy Print
Check that the block has an even coating of ink and that pressure is being applied across the whole design.
Fine Lines Disappearing
Too much ink can fill narrow carved channels. Try using a thinner layer.
Paper Moving
Once the paper touches the inked block, keep it still until printing is complete.
Uneven Colour
Roll the ink in several directions before coating the printing block.
Unwanted Carved Marks
Work slowly and carve away from your hands. Small mistakes can often become part of the handmade character of the print.
Design Printed Backwards
Remember that the image reverses during printing. This is especially important when your design contains letters or numbers.
What Can You Make With Lino Printing?
Once you have carved a block, the same design can be printed repeatedly and used across many different craft projects.
Art Prints • Greetings Cards • Gift Tags • Wrapping Paper • Journals • Handmade Stationery
Lino Printing FAQs
Is lino printing difficult for beginners?
No. Simple bold designs are straightforward to carve and print, making lino printing suitable for beginners who start with basic shapes and gradually add more detail.
What is the difference between lino and Softcut?
Traditional lino is relatively firm, while softer carving materials are designed to be easier to cut. Both can be used for relief printing, but the carving experience can feel quite different.
Why does my lino print look patchy?
Patchy results can be caused by insufficient ink, uneven roller coverage or uneven pressure when transferring the design to paper.
Does a lino print come out backwards?
Yes. The printed image is reversed from the design on the block. Any letters or numbers therefore need to be carved in reverse.
Can I reuse a lino block?
Yes. Once carved, the same block can be inked and printed repeatedly to create multiple copies of the design.
Ready to Try Lino Printing?
Explore lino blocks, Softcut, carving tools, rollers, printing inks and complete lino printing kits.
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