What Is Lino Printing?

Lino printing (also called linocut) is a form of relief printmaking where you carve a design into a flat piece of linoleum, apply ink, and press it onto paper or fabric. It's been used by professional printmakers and artists for over a century, but it's also wonderfully accessible as a home craft — requiring very little equipment and no specialist studio space.

The results are bold, graphic, and satisfying. Each print carries the texture of a handmade object in a way that digital design simply can't replicate.

What You'll Need

  • Soft lino block — "Easy-cut" or "soft-cut" blocks are best for beginners; they carve smoothly without much force
  • Lino cutting tools — A basic set of V-gouges and U-gouges covers most shapes
  • Block printing ink — Water-based inks are easier to clean up and work well on paper
  • A brayer (roller) — For applying ink evenly to the block
  • Printing paper — Smooth cartridge paper or Japanese washi paper works beautifully
  • A flat inking surface — An old tile, glass sheet, or acrylic board
  • A pencil and tracing paper — For transferring your design

Step-by-Step: Making Your First Lino Print

Step 1: Design Your Image

Start simple — geometric shapes, leaves, animals, or bold botanical motifs all work well. Draw your design on paper first. Remember: whatever you carve away will appear white (unprinted), and whatever you leave raised will print in colour. Also keep in mind that your printed image will be a mirror of your block, so if text is involved, you'll need to reverse it.

Step 2: Transfer Your Design

Scribble over the back of your design with a pencil, then flip it onto the lino block and trace over your lines firmly. This transfers a pencil impression onto the block. Alternatively, use carbon transfer paper.

Step 3: Carve the Block

Always carve away from your fingers and keep your non-dominant hand behind the cutting tool. Use V-gouges for fine lines and U-gouges for clearing larger areas. Work slowly — you can always remove more material, but you can't add it back. Carve the outlines of your design first, then clear the background areas.

Step 4: Ink the Block

Squeeze a small amount of ink onto your inking surface and roll the brayer back and forth until you have a thin, even coating. Roll the brayer over your carved block — you should hear a slight sticky sound. The ink should coat the raised areas without filling the carved grooves.

Step 5: Print

Place your paper over the inked block (or flip the block onto your paper). Apply even pressure across the whole surface using a spoon, the back of a wooden spoon, or a barren. Lift carefully from one corner to reveal your print.

Step 6: Let It Dry

Lay your prints flat to dry. Water-based inks typically dry within 20–30 minutes. Re-ink between each print to keep results consistent.

Tips for Better Prints

  • Pull a few test prints on scrap paper before printing on your good stock
  • Clean the block between colour changes if you want to try multicolour printing
  • Vary your pressure for different textures — lighter pressure creates a more worn, aged look
  • Keep a damp cloth nearby to clean your brayer as you work

What to Do With Your Prints

Lino prints make wonderful greeting cards, gift wrap, art prints to frame, fabric decoration (with fabric-specific ink), and even personalised stationery. Once you have a block, you can print it dozens of times — making it a highly rewarding craft for anyone who loves giving handmade gifts.