Lino cut printing - additional guidance
On this Page there is help and information on:
Tools
For carving intricate designs in linocut, the essential tools are:
V-Shaped Gouges
V-shaped gouges with varying degrees of angles are crucial for creating fine lines and detailed work. Smaller V-tools like the Pfeil 12/4 and 15/2 allow for precise control and delicate carving.[1][3]
Knife/Blade Tools
Knife or blade tools with a fine point, such as the Pfeil 11/0.5, are indispensable for carving intricate details, tight corners, and clearing out small areas.[1][3]
U-Shaped Gouges
While not as essential for intricate work, U-shaped gouges in smaller sizes like the Pfeil 8/3 and 9/2 can help clear out negative spaces around detailed areas more efficiently than V-tools.[1][3]
A sharp scalpel or craft knife is useful for cutting around the edges of the lino block and separating pieces for techniques like jigsaw linocuts.[2][4]
Tools like a strop or slipstrop are necessary for maintaining a razor-sharp edge on carving tools, which is critical for clean, precise cuts in detailed linocut designs.[1][3]
While wood carving tools can potentially be used, the ergonomic handles and variety of blade profiles in dedicated linocut tool sets make them better suited for intricate linoleum carving.[1][2][3] Proper tool selection and sharpening are key for achieving crisp, refined details in linocut prints.
Sources
[1] Lino Printing Equipment Explained - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/blog/equipment/lino-printing-equipment-explained/
[2] The Best Lino Cutting Tools Review - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/resources/lino-cutting-tools-review/
[3] Best linocut tools for carving lino - Michelle Hughes Design https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/best-linocut-tools-for-carving-lino
[4] Jigsaw Linocut - Handprinted https://handprinted.co.uk/blogs/blog/jigsaw-linocut
[5] Choosing the Best Linocut Carving Tools for Block Printing https://www.boardingallrows.com/blog/best-linocut-tools-for-block-printing
The main benefits of using Japanese cutting tools for linocut printing are:
Japanese linocut tools like the Power Grip series have extremely fine, razor-sharp blades that allow for precise, controlled carving of intricate details and delicate lines.[2][3] Their pencil-like handles provide excellent control over the blade angle and pressure.
Japanese tool sets offer a range of blade shapes like V-gouges, U-gouges, knives, and chisels, enabling you to create different line qualities and textures within the same print.[2][3] This versatility is valuable for expressive linocut designs.
Unlike some beginner tools with disposable blades, quality Japanese tools have fixed, high-carbon steel blades that can be resharpened repeatedly for longevity.[3] Proper maintenance ensures the blades stay razor-sharp for clean cuts.
The pencil-style handles of Japanese tools fit comfortably in the hand and allow for a natural carving grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended carving sessions.[2][3]
While more expensive than basic linocut sets, the precision, versatility, and durability of Japanese woodcarving tools like those from Power Grip or Kinchaku make them excellent investments for serious linocut artists looking to produce highly refined prints with intricate details.[2][3]
[1] Equipment Guide: Lino and cutting tools - Jo Boddy https://www.joboddy.co.uk/post/equipment-guide-lino-and-cutting-tools
[2] Japanese Printmaking Tools For Lino & Woodblock - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/buy/equipment/japanese-printmaking-tools/
[3] Best linocut tools for carving lino - Michelle Hughes Design https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/best-linocut-tools-for-carving-lino
[4] The Best Lino Cutting Tools Review - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/resources/lino-cutting-tools-review/
[5] Lino Printing Equipment Explained - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/blog/equipment/lino-printing-equipment-explained/
Japanese cutting tools offer several advantages over other types of linocut tools:
Japanese tools like those from Power Grip have extremely fine, razor-sharp blades that allow for precise, controlled carving of intricate details and delicate lines.[1][2] Their pencil-like handles provide excellent control over blade angle and pressure for refined cutting.
Japanese tool sets offer a wide range of blade shapes like V-gouges, U-gouges, knives, and chisels, enabling creation of different line qualities and textures within the same print.[1][3] This versatility is valuable for expressive linocut designs.
Unlike some beginner tools with disposable blades, quality Japanese tools have fixed, high-carbon steel blades that can be repeatedly resharpened for longevity.[1][3] Proper maintenance ensures the blades stay razor-sharp.
The pencil-style handles fit comfortably in the hand and allow for a natural carving grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended sessions.[1][3]
In contrast, adjustable tools like Essdee have replaceable blades that cannot be sharpened, limiting their lifespan.[1] Palm tools like Pfeil offer good control but may lack the precision and versatility of Japanese sets.[1][3]
While more expensive initially, the precision, versatility, and durability of Japanese woodcarving tools make them excellent investments for serious linocut artists looking to produce highly refined prints with intricate details.[1][2][3]
[1] Best linocut tools for carving lino - Michelle Hughes Design https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/best-linocut-tools-for-carving-lino
[2] Japanese Printmaking Tools For Lino & Woodblock - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/buy/equipment/japanese-printmaking-tools/
[3] The Best Lino Cutting Tools Review - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/resources/lino-cutting-tools-review/
[4] Printmaking: Comparing Lino, Softcut, Speedy Carve and Japanese ... https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2021/07/02/printmaking-comparing-lino-softcut-speedy-carve-and-japanese-vinyl/
[5] Equipment Guide: Lino and cutting tools - Jo Boddy https://www.joboddy.co.uk/post/equipment-guide-lino-and-cutting-tools
To create specific effects using the knife and chisel Japanese lino cutting tools:
The knife tool has a fine, razor-sharp blade that allows for precise detail work and controlled lines.
- Use the knife to carve delicate lines, intricate patterns, calligraphic elements, and tight corners or curves.
- Hold the knife upright like a pencil and carve with the tip of the blade, using light, controlled strokes.
- For curved lines, keep the blade vertical and rotate the lino block rather than turning the knife.[1]
- The flat side of the blade faces away from you for right-handers, towards you for left-handers.
- The knife excels at crisp outlines, hairline details, and clearing out small negative spaces.[3]
The chisel has a flat, beveled blade useful for clearing larger areas and creating bold textures.
- Use the chisel to rapidly remove large sections of lino for solid shapes or backgrounds.
- Hold the chisel handle vertically with the bevel facing the lino at about 45 degrees.
- Carve away from your body in a scooping motion to prevent digging in too deeply.[1]
- The chisel leaves a slightly ridged texture, creating interesting effects when printed.
- Vary pressure and angle to achieve different textures from the chisel, like hatching or cross-hatching.[3]
By combining the precision of the knife for fine lines and details with the broad clearing ability of the chisel, you can create lino prints with both intricate elements and bold textural areas using just these two versatile Japanese tools.[1][3]
[1] Lino Printing Tips - What tools do you use for Lino Printing? https://www.kerryday.co.uk/blog/what-tools-do-you-use-for-lino-printing
[2] Equipment Guide: Lino and cutting tools - Jo Boddy https://www.joboddy.co.uk/post/equipment-guide-lino-and-cutting-tools
[3] Japanese Printmaking Tools For Lino & Woodblock - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/buy/equipment/japanese-printmaking-tools/
[4] The Best Lino Cutting Tools Review - Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/resources/lino-cutting-tools-review/
[5] Introduction to Linocut Tools - Handprinted https://handprinted.co.uk/blogs/blog/introduction-to-linocut-tools
To create specific effects in linocut printing using Japanese U and V-shaped gouges:
U-gouges are excellent for carving consistent line widths and rounded shapes:
- Use a small U-gouge to carve clean outlines and borders around shapes with an even thickness.[1][4]
- Larger U-gouges can quickly clear out broad negative spaces and backgrounds with a flat bottom.[1][3]
- Rocking the U-gouge while carving creates a wavy, undulating line texture.[1]
- Twisting the lino block while using a U-gouge allows carving curved lines and circles.[1]
- Stippling by tapping the U-gouge straight down leaves a dotted texture.[1][5]
V-gouges excel at creating varied line weights, fine details, and sharp corners:
- Use the tip of a V-gouge for delicate lines and intricate patterns.[1][4]
- Increase pressure to widen the line for calligraphic thick-and-thin strokes.[4]
- Carve two intersecting V-cuts to create crisp interior corners and chevron shapes.[1]
- The "snap-off" technique with V-gouges produces clean termination points on lines.[1][5]
- Cross-hatching and parallel lines with a fine V-gouge can render tones and textures.[1]
The Japanese gouges' razor-sharp edges provide excellent control for both broad textures with U-gouges and precise detailing with V-gouges, allowing you to create a wide range of effects in your linocut prints.[1][3][4][5]
[1] Using Different Tools to Make Marks on Lino - Handprinted https://handprinted.co.uk/blogs/blog/using-different-tools-to-make-marks-on-lino
[2] A Guide to Linocut Tools - RLH Prints https://rlhprints.com/blogs/a-guide-to-linocut-tools/a-guide-to-linocut-tools
[3] Equipment Guide: Lino and cutting tools - Jo Boddy https://www.joboddy.co.uk/post/equipment-guide-lino-and-cutting-tools
[4] Explaining the Different Types of Linocut Tools and How to Use Them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYdZ4AsMVOE
[5] Linocut Techniques, Tools, Supplies, Ink and Beginner Tips https://www.boardingallrows.com/linocut-process
To produce multi-color linocut prints using multiple blocks and registration, the following process is typically followed:
Each color in the final print is created from a separate linoleum block. For example, if you want four colors, you'll carve four different blocks.
1. Design and transfer the image onto the first block, carving out the areas that will remain the color of the paper.
2. Ink this "key block" with the lightest color and print it onto the paper, creating the base layer.
3. For each subsequent color, carve a new block removing areas that should remain the previous colors. Ink this block with the new color.
4. Use a registration system to ensure each block aligns perfectly when printing on top of the previous layer. Common registration methods include:
- Registering the paper using corner notches or a jig
- Registering the blocks using a printing press or homemade registration system[1][3]
5. Print each additional block in the planned color sequence, carefully aligning each layer.
This technique allows great control over each color but requires precise registration.
To add extra colors without carving new blocks:
1. Ink the block with a "rainbow roll" by loading a brayer with two or more ink colors blended into a gradient.
2. Roll this gradient of colors onto the carved block.
3. Print this blended ink onto the previous layer(s), creating transitional hues within a single pull.[1]
Using these methods, you can build up vibrant, multi-colored linocut prints from just a few carved blocks when combined with rainbow roll inking. Precise registration is crucial for crisp, well-aligned layers.[1][3][4]
[1] Multi-Color Lino Printing and Block Printing Techniques for Artists https://www.boardingallrows.com/lino-printing-artist-techniques
[2] How to make a Six Color Reduction Linocut Print - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB4tTziQnPc
[3] How to Lino Print for Beginners? What is Linocut | Hickman Design https://hickmandesign.co.uk/resources/printmaking-guides/lino-printing-process/
[4] Linocut Techniques, Tools, Supplies, Ink and Beginner Tips https://www.boardingallrows.com/linocut-process
[5] MY TWO FAVOURITE PRINTMAKING TECHNIQUES - Anna Curtius https://www.annacurtius.com/blog/my-two-favourite-printmaking-techniques
The main differences between jigsaw and multi block approaches
The main differences between the jigsaw linocut method and the multi-block technique are:
- Uses a single linoleum block carved into separate pieces for each color area
- All color areas are inked separately and reassembled like a jigsaw puzzle before printing
- Allows printing multiple colors in one pass
- Suitable for hand-burnishing, less ideal for press printing as pieces can shift
- Edges of colour areas need to be simple shapes to fit back together easily[1][2]
- Each colour is carved onto a separate linoleum block
- Blocks are inked and printed one at a time, layering colour
- Requires precise registration system to align each layer
- More control over each colour, but multiple printing passes required
- Allows for test prints and adjustments before final edition
- Blocks can be reused to reprint in the future[1][3]
In summary, the jigsaw method consolidates all colour onto a single disassembled block for one-pass printing, while the multi-block approach uses separate blocks for each colour layer, requiring multiple print passes but allowing more flexibility and reusability of the blocks.[1][2][3]
[1] How to make linocut prints with two colours or more https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/how-to-make-linocut-prints-with-two-colours-or-more
[2] Jigsaw Linocut - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tPpj0FMHMc
[3] Multi-Color Lino Printing and Block Printing Techniques for Artists https://www.boardingallrows.com/lino-printing-artist-techniques
[4] Jigsaw Linocut - Handprinted https://handprinted.co.uk/blogs/blog/jigsaw-linocut
[5] Follow on Jigsaw Linocut Printing Workshops - February 2020 https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/follow-on-jigsaw-linocut-printing-workshops-feb-20
The common challenges faced with the jigsaw linocut method include:
- Precisely aligning and reassembling the separate carved pieces can be tricky, especially for intricate designs with many small sections.[1][4]
- Even slight misalignments can result in unintended gaps or overlaps between color areas.
- Inking each small piece evenly without getting ink where it shouldn't be is difficult and requires practice.[1]
- Ink can seep under edges of adjoining pieces during printing, causing unintended mixing of colors.
- Designs need to avoid pieces fitting tightly inside others (like the hole of an O), as these are very hard to reassemble accurately once inked.[1][4]
- Thin bridges or connections between pieces can easily break during cutting or inking.
- The jigsaw pieces don't create a fully supported, flat printing surface like a solid block.[4]
- This can make it harder to apply even pressure when hand-burnishing or using a press.
While the jigsaw method allows multi-color prints from a single block, the precise carving, inking, reassembly and printing required to avoid misregistration and muddying of colors presents challenges, especially for complex designs.[1][4]
[1] Jigsaw Linocut - Handprinted https://handprinted.co.uk/blogs/blog/jigsaw-linocut
[2] Jigsaw Linocut (2 day) - West Yorkshire Print Workshop https://wypw.org/product/2day-jigsaw-linocut/
[3] Follow on Jigsaw Linocut Printing Workshops - February 2020 https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/follow-on-jigsaw-linocut-printing-workshops-feb-20
[4] Jigsaw Linocut - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tPpj0FMHMc
[5] How to make linocut prints with two colours or more https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/how-to-make-linocut-prints-with-two-colours-or-more