Lino printing, short for linoleum printing, is a popular and accessible form of printmaking that involves carving a design into a sheet of linoleum and transferring the image onto paper or fabric. It is widely used by artists, hobbyists and schools for its simplicity, creativity and hands-on approach. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone looking to explore traditional print techniques, lino printing offers a satisfying way to produce bold, graphic images with a handcrafted quality. This article explains what lino printing is, how it works and what you need to get started.
The Basics of Lino Printing
Lino printing is a type of relief printing. This means the raised areas of the lino sheet create the printed image, while the carved or recessed areas remain blank. The technique is similar to woodcut printing, but instead of using wood the artist carves into linoleum, which is a softer and more manageable surface.
Linoleum is a flexible sheet material made from natural ingredients such as linseed oil, cork dust and wood flour. It is traditionally used for flooring but in printmaking it provides a smooth and even surface for carving. The process involves cutting away the parts of the lino that you do not want to print, leaving the design in relief.
How the Lino Printing Process Works
The first step in lino printing is to draw your design onto the linoleum block. You can sketch it freehand or transfer an image using tracing paper or carbon paper. Once your design is in place, you use special carving tools to remove the areas that will remain unprinted. These tools come in different shapes and sizes to create fine lines, wide grooves or textured effects.
After carving the block, you apply a thin layer of ink using a roller known as a brayer. The ink sticks only to the raised surface of the design. Then you carefully place a sheet of paper or fabric over the inked lino and apply pressure to transfer the image. This can be done by hand with a spoon or baren, or using a printing press for more even results.
The finished print reveals a reversed version of your original design, which means any text or directional elements need to be flipped during the drawing stage.
What Makes Lino Printing So Popular
Lino printing is valued for its strong visual impact, with bold lines and high contrast between light and dark areas. It lends itself well to stylised illustrations, decorative patterns and expressive artwork. Because it uses affordable materials and simple tools, it is often taught in schools and used by beginner artists exploring printmaking for the first time.
It is also highly versatile. You can print in black and white or use coloured inks, experiment with multi-block techniques to add layers and textures, and print on different surfaces including paper, fabric and card. Once you have carved your lino block, it can be reused to create multiple prints, making it ideal for editions or handmade cards.
Materials and Tools Needed for Lino Printing
To get started with lino printing, you need a few essential tools. These include a lino block, lino cutting tools, water-based or oil-based ink, a roller or brayer, and a smooth surface for inking. You will also need paper for printing and a tool for applying pressure such as a baren or wooden spoon.
Many art shops sell lino printing kits that include everything you need in one package. Soft-cut or easy-cut lino sheets are recommended for beginners as they are more flexible and easier to carve than traditional linoleum.
As you gain experience, you may want to invest in additional tools such as finer carving blades, a registration board to align multi-layer prints, or a small printing press for more consistent results.
Different Styles and Techniques
Lino printing can be adapted to suit different artistic styles. You can create fine detailed line work or bold abstract shapes depending on your carving approach. Some artists use a single block and print in one colour, while others develop complex prints using multiple blocks or reduction printing.
Reduction printing involves carving and printing from the same block in stages, removing more of the lino after each colour layer is printed. This method requires careful planning but can produce stunning results with depth and texture.
Experimenting with textures, inking methods and papers can also lead to unique effects. You can create subtle gradients with a technique called rainbow rolling or add expressive marks by layering prints with hand-drawn elements.
Lino Printing in Art and Education
Lino printing has long been embraced by artists, both amateur and professional. It gained popularity in the early 20th century and was famously used by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Today, it remains a respected printmaking method found in galleries, design studios and art classrooms.
In education, lino printing is often part of the curriculum as it teaches key art skills such as composition, design, spatial awareness and manual dexterity. It also encourages creativity and problem-solving, especially when experimenting with different tools and materials.
Final Thoughts
Lino printing is a rewarding and tactile way to create beautiful hand-made prints. It combines traditional craftsmanship with personal expression and is accessible to artists of all ages and skill levels. Whether you want to explore printmaking as a new hobby or develop your creative practice further, lino printing offers endless possibilities with just a few tools and a bit of patience. The process may be simple but the results can be bold, striking and deeply satisfying.