How to create a simple lino print and make multiple prints
Lino printing is a fun, low-cost way to make bold, repeatable artwork using simple tools and materials. With a small block of linoleum, a few carving tools, and some ink, you can design, carve, and print multiple copies of the same image. This guide walks you through each step with practical details so you can start making prints in an afternoon.
Step 1: Gather materials and workspace
Collect a lino block (5–10 cm square or larger), carving tools (gouges in small, medium, large sizes), roller (brayer), water-based or oil-based block printing ink (30–60 ml), palette or flat plate, printing paper (10–20 sheets of 90–220gsm), transfer paper or tracing paper, pencil, ruler, bench hook or non-slip mat, scrap paper, and gloves. Set up on a clean, flat table with good light and protect the surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet; having a dedicated 1 m2 workspace helps keep everything organized.
[Illustration: table with lino block, carving tools, brayer, ink, paper, and protective mat neatly arranged]
Step 2: Create and transfer a simple design
Sketch a bold, high-contrast design about 70–80% of the block size on plain paper; use thick lines and avoid tiny details. Reverse the image if it contains text by drawing it mirror-image or by tracing the sketch onto tracing paper and flipping it onto the lino, then rub to transfer. A design under 10 cm wide with 3–6 large shapes works well for a first print.
[Illustration: hand-drawn bold design on paper with tracing paper and pencil nearby]
Step 3: Secure the lino and outline the design
Place the lino on a non-slip mat or use a bench hook to keep it steady. Use a fine V-gouge or small chisel to lightly score along your transferred lines to define edges; this helps prevent the larger gouges from slipping. Take 10–15 minutes for careful outlining to reduce mistakes during deeper carving.
[Illustration: close-up of lino block on mat with carved outline lines and small gouge tool]
Step 4: Carve away the non-printing areas
Use progressively larger U-gouges to remove areas that should remain white in the print, carving at a low angle and making several shallow passes rather than one deep cut. Leave raised areas that will take the ink; expect carving a medium-sized design to take 20–40 minutes. Stop and brush away debris frequently to check progress and avoid over-carving.
[Illustration: mid-carving view showing removed linoleum areas and raised image surface with small piles of lino shavings]
Step 5: Prepare ink and ink the block
Squeeze a pea-to-walnut-sized amount of ink (about 5–15 ml) onto a flat palette and roll the brayer until the ink is smooth and tacky across the roller—this takes 1–3 minutes. Apply an even, thin layer of ink to the raised surface of the lino with the brayer using light, consistent pressure; avoid pooling ink in recesses for a clean print.
[Illustration: brayer rolling ink on a flat palette with freshly inked roller and lino block beside it]
Step 6: Register and transfer the print
Align paper to the inked block using registration marks, edge guides, or a simple T-bar made from scrap card to ensure consistent placement. Carefully lay the paper on the block, press from the center outward to avoid air pockets, then rub firmly with a wooden spoon, baren, or a clean piece of scrap roller for 30–60 seconds to transfer the ink. For best results, check a test print on scrap paper first and adjust pressure or ink as needed.
[Illustration: hand placing paper on inked lino block with ruler guide and spoon for rubbing]
Step 7: Create multiple prints and clean up
Re-ink the block evenly between each impression and register each sheet in the same position to produce consistent editions; aim for 10–50 prints per inking session depending on ink type and pressure. Allow prints to dry flat: water-based ink usually dries in 1–3 days, oil-based in 3–7 days. Clean tools and roller with soap and water for water-based inks or appropriate solvent for oil-based inks, and store the lino flat in a cool place.
[Illustration: row of freshly printed papers drying flat with brayer and cleaned tools nearby]
- Start with a simple motif like a leaf, moon, or geometric shape to learn carving depth and negative space.
- Test different papers: 120–200gsm smooth paper gives crisp lines, while textured paper adds character.
- Keep gouges sharp and cut away from your hands; a dull tool requires more force and slips more easily.
- If you want clean borders, use a T-bar registration jig made from cardboard or wood strips to line up every sheet.
- Number and sign your edition on the back or margin when you make multiple prints to track editions and variations.
- Experiment with reduction prints by carving away more of the block between color layers, but plan the sequence and keep proofs as guides.
- Linoleum shavings are slippery; clear them from the floor and workspace regularly to avoid slips. Avoid leaving tools underfoot.
- Sharp carving tools can cause serious cuts; always cut away from yourself, use controlled strokes, and store tools with blade covers.
- Oil-based inks require solvents for cleaning which can be hazardous; use them only with good ventilation and wear gloves, and follow disposal guidelines for solvents.
- Do not eat or drink near inks and solvents; keep them labeled and out of reach of children and pets.
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