LINO-CUT PRINTING
INTRO Lino-cut is a similar process to block printing. It works the same way by carving an image into the lino, leaving raised areas to be inked up with a roller. The inked surface is then transferred to the material you want to print onto by applying pressure. The sunken areas are left uninked which reveals the colour of the paper. Lino-cut is a simple but effective process that produces subtle variations making each print unique.
Tools
-Cutting Tools -Bench Hook -Roller -Palette Knife -Spoon -Press
Materials
-Oil based ink -Lino -Material you want to print onto

To prepare your artwork you can simply draw directly onto the lino. If you want to use a design you have created on a computer you will need to print the image with a laser printer. This is called the toner method. Remember to reverse your image on the computer for it to display the right way round when printed.
LINO

To transfer the image onto the lino, place the laser printed design facedown. You will need to wet the back of the paper with bestine solvent or acetone. Rub the paper lightly to transfer the image then gently peel it off the lino. Your lino is ready to be carved. Use the bench hook to hold the lino and carve out the parts you do not want to be printed. Here you can experiment with various cutting tools to make some interesting marks and try out different cutting depths for thicker lines. Always remember to cut away from yourself when carving. Once you have finished carving make sure any excess lino is removed.
PRINTING G N I T N I R P
Before you can start printing you will need to set up a registration page to allow you to place the lino and your paper in the correct place every time. To do this, on a piece of newsprint, you will need to outline the size of the paper you will be printing onto. Place the lino in the center and mark the outline. To prepare the ink, use a palette knife to spread the ink onto a glass surface in a straight line. With a roller, dip it in the ink and roll out an even layer. Once the roller is evenly coated, roll it onto the Lino. Make sure the raised areas of your design are evenly covered. This example will focus on two methods of printing. The first is by hand. Place the paper you are wanting to print onto on top of the inked up lino, make sure it lines up
with registration marks. Use a spoon and rub the back of the sheet to transfer the image onto the paper. The second method is printing with a Columbian Press. Place the registration page with the inked up lino on top of the pressboard, make sure the lino is lined up with the registration mark. Place the paper on top with a sheet of newsprint on top of that and cover with the press blanket. This will help to apply the pressure evenly when being pressed. You will need to lower the cover and turn the handle. This will position the bed under the platen. Pull the lever towards yourself to press the image, then release. Use the handle again to release the bed, remove the newsprint and carefully lift of the paper. The ink will take some time to dry so place it somewhere practical.
PULL-OUT