Why Is My Lino Print Patchy?

Quick Answer

A patchy lino print is usually caused by too little ink, uneven ink on the lino block, insufficient pressure when printing or a surface that isn't completely flat. The key is to apply a thin, even layer of ink with your roller and use firm, even pressure across the whole design.

1. Roll Out the Ink First

Place a small amount of lino printing ink onto a smooth, flat inking surface. Use your roller to spread it out before applying it to the lino. The aim is to coat the roller evenly rather than picking up a thick blob of ink.

2. Use a Thin, Even Layer of Ink

Roll the ink across the lino in several directions to create an even coating. You want the raised areas of the design covered consistently without filling the carved areas with excess ink.

3. Check the Block Before Printing

Look across the surface of the lino before placing your paper down. If you can see obviously dry areas, carefully roll over them again. If there are thick ridges or blobs of ink, you may have applied too much.

4. Place the Paper Carefully

Once the paper touches the inked lino, try not to move it. Sliding the paper can cause smudging or a double image. Lower it into position carefully and keep it still while applying pressure.

5. Apply Firm, Even Pressure

Rub or press across the entire back of the paper rather than concentrating on one area. Pay particular attention to the centre and edges of the design, where pressure can easily become uneven.

6. Test Before Adding More Ink

If the first print is patchy, don't automatically add a large amount of extra ink. Check whether the missing areas are caused by insufficient pressure first. Too much ink creates a different set of problems and can obscure fine detail.

7. Expect to Make Test Prints

Test prints are a normal part of lino printing. They allow you to check the amount of ink, identify areas that need more carving and adjust your printing pressure before making the final prints.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't keep adding more ink to fix every pale patch. The problem may be uneven pressure rather than a lack of ink.

Don't apply a thick layer of ink. Too much ink can fill fine carved lines and make the print look heavy or smudged.

Don't move the paper once it touches the lino. Movement during printing can create blurred edges or a double image.

Don't press only in the centre. Work across the whole design so the edges receive the same pressure.

Don't expect the first print to be perfect. A test print is one of the easiest ways to identify where adjustments are needed.

How much ink should I use for lino printing?

Start with a small amount. Roll it out into a thin, even layer before transferring it to the lino. It is easier to add a little more ink than to correct a block that has been overloaded.

How do I know if I have too much ink on my lino?

If ink begins collecting in carved areas, fine details disappear or the finished print looks thick and smudged, you are probably using too much. The raised printing surface should be evenly coated without being flooded.

Why are some parts of my lino print lighter than others?

First check whether the lino has been inked evenly. If it has, uneven pressure is the next likely cause. Make sure you apply firm pressure across the entire design, including the edges.

Why isn't my lino print transferring properly?

Poor transfer can be caused by insufficient ink, inadequate pressure or poor contact between the paper and lino. A test print can help you determine which of these needs adjusting.

Can I add more ink to a patchy lino print?

Once the paper has been removed, accurately placing it back onto the lino is difficult and can create a double image. It is normally better to adjust your technique and make another print.

Why is ink getting into the carved lines?

This is often a sign that too much ink is being applied. Use a smaller amount and roll it out thoroughly before inking the block.

How much pressure should I use when lino printing?

You need enough pressure to bring the paper into good contact with all of the raised, inked areas of the lino. More important than simply pressing harder is making sure that the pressure is distributed evenly across the whole design.

Why does my second lino print look different from the first?

Small differences in the amount of ink, roller coverage, paper position and printing pressure can all change the result. Re-ink the block evenly for each print and try to keep your printing method consistent.