Tools of the Trade: Essential Supplies for Linoleum Block Printing

Linoleum block printing is a time-honored relief printing technique that allows artists to create bold, textured images with a handmade quality. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned printmaker, having the right tools and supplies is essential to achieving high-quality results. Studios like Gilfalo Art Design, Masthay Studios, and Pollock Prints have built reputations for producing custom hand-crafted concert posters and unique band artwork, using techniques that bring prints to life with intricate details and bold compositions.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential tools and materials for linoleum block printing, from carving tools to paper choices, while exploring how these supplies contribute to the craft of relief printing.

1. Linoleum Blocks

At the heart of linoleum block printing is, of course, the linoleum itself. Traditionally, printmakers use battleship gray linoleum, which is durable and allows for fine detail. Some artists prefer softer linoleum alternatives that are easier to carve, making them ideal for beginners or those working on intricate linocut print designs.

Studios like Gilfalo Art Design focus on high-quality printmaking studio work, where the choice of linoleum impacts everything from line work to the final print texture. Whether using mounted or unmounted linoleum, selecting a quality surface ensures clean and crisp results.

2. Carving Tools

To create a custom hand-crafted concert poster or a detailed band print, artists need precision carving tools. The most common include:

• U-gouges: Used for removing large areas of linoleum quickly.

• V-gouges: Essential for carving fine lines and intricate details.

• Knives: Help in cutting precise edges or separating sections of a design.

Masthay Studios, known for fine art relief prints and stone lithographs, often uses a mix of carving tools to achieve varying textures and depths in their prints. Investing in high-quality tools from brands like Pfeil or Speedball ensures a smoother carving experience and long-lasting durability.

3. Ink Selection

The choice of ink can significantly affect the outcome of a print. There are two main types of ink used in relief printing:

• Water-based ink: Dries quickly, making it great for beginners. However, it can sometimes dry too fast on the block, making it harder to get even coverage.

• Oil-based ink: Used by professionals like Pollock Prints and Masthay Studios, oil-based inks provide richer colors, better blending, and longer drying times, allowing for more precise layering.

Artists creating bold band prints or unique band artwork often experiment with ink colors and opacity to achieve the perfect look for their work.

4. Brayers (Rollers)

A brayer is used to roll ink evenly across the carved linoleum surface. Choosing the right brayer can make all the difference when inking a block.

• Soft rubber brayers: Help spread ink smoothly, ideal for detailed prints.

• Hard rubber brayers: Provide a more textured, grainy application, often used for experimental techniques.

Studios like Gilfalo Art Design and Masthay Studios focus on clean, crisp prints, which means using a high-quality brayer to ensure even ink distribution is essential.

5. Barens and Presses

Once ink is applied to the linoleum block, pressure must be applied to transfer the image onto paper. There are several ways to do this:

• Barens: A handheld tool used for rubbing the back of the paper to transfer ink.

• Spoon or wooden dowel: A simple, low-cost alternative to a baren.

• Printing presses: Professional printmakers, like those at Masthay Studios, often use letterpress machines or etching presses to apply even pressure, producing crisp and consistent prints.

A printmaking studio equipped with a press can make large print runs easier, but hand burnishing with a baren or wooden spoon is just as effective for smaller projects.

6. Paper Selection

Choosing the right paper is crucial for achieving high-quality prints. Different papers react differently to ink, pressure, and drying times.

• Mulberry paper: Thin yet strong, perfect for traditional relief printing.

• Stonehenge paper: A popular choice for fine art prints due to its slight texture and durability.

• Rives BFK: A go-to for many professional printmakers for its absorbent qualities and rich feel.

Masthay Studios and Pollock Prints often use premium archival-quality paper to ensure the longevity of their fine art and illustrations. The right paper can enhance the texture and overall impact of a linocut print design.

7. Registration Tools

For multi-color or multi-layer prints, registration is key. Registration tools help align layers precisely, ensuring elements match up perfectly.

• Ternes-Burton registration pins: Often used in professional printmaking studios.

• Handmade registration boards: Created using simple materials like cardboard or wood, offering a cost-effective way to keep prints aligned.

Artists designing complex band prints or posters often rely on registration methods to create dynamic, multi-layered pieces with accurate color separations.

8. Drying Racks and Storage

After printing, linocut prints need proper drying space to prevent smudging and ensure even drying. Many artists use:

• Wire drying racks: Found in professional printmaking studios like Gilfalo Art Design.

• Clotheslines with clips: A simple DIY solution for hanging prints.

• Flat drying boards: Useful for stacking prints in small spaces.

Proper storage also protects prints from dust, moisture, and damage, ensuring they remain pristine for collectors and buyers.

9. Workshops and Learning Opportunities

Studios like Gilfalo Art Design offer workshops in Milwaukee to teach relief printmaking techniques. Whether learning to carve linoleum, mix inks, or properly register prints, workshops help artists refine their craft and connect with the printmaking community.

Many artists also follow online tutorials or take classes at local art centers to expand their skills and experiment with new techniques.

10. The Community of Printmakers

One of the most exciting aspects of printmaking studios like Masthay Studios and Gilfalo Art Design is the sense of community. Whether through social media hashtags like #PrintmakersOfInstagram or in-person collaborations, printmakers share tips, inspiration, and techniques to push the boundaries of the craft.

Artists who specialize in custom hand-crafted concert posters or bold band prints often work together, exchange ideas, and support each other through exhibitions and print exchanges.

Conclusion

Linoleum block printing is a rewarding process that blends traditional techniques with modern artistry. Whether you’re creating a custom band poster, a fine art illustration, or experimenting with relief printing, having the right tools and supplies makes all the difference.

From selecting the perfect linoleum block to using high-quality inks, papers, and presses, each element plays a role in shaping the final print. Gilfalo Art Design, Masthay Studios, and Pollock Prints exemplify how dedication to craftsmanship and material selection results in stunning, unique prints that stand the test of time.

For those looking to dive into printmaking, investing in the right tools and learning from experienced artists will set the foundation for success. So grab your carving tools, roll out some ink, and start creating!

Chris Gill

Gilfalo Art Design