Ink Mixing: If you’re looking to achieve a specific shade, mix your inks in advance and make sure you mix a sufficient quantity for your entire print run to ensure consistency. Correctional Measures: Utilise a cotton bud doused in water or white spirit to eliminate any undesired lino ink from the carved areas. Dry the Lino: If you’ve washed or degreased the lino, ensure it’s thoroughly dry before applying ink. Any moisture can interfere with the ink application.

Initially, draft your design on paper using a pencil, allowing for easy modifications and rectification of any errors. Traditional Drying: During my studies, we often utilised a simple technique: string stretched between two points, from which we hung the prints using pegs. Lino Quality: Always invest in good quality lino. Cheaper alternatives may crumble or be inconsistent in texture, making them difficult to carve.You can keep going for however many colors you wish, but the more you use, the more carefully you need to plan. One wrong cut, or one forgotten cut, could ruin the design. Add to this the challenges of ensuring each color is correctly registered (aligned) when you print it and I'm sure you'll begin to see why reduction linocut is also known as suicide printing. However, when things do all workout, the results are tremendously satisfying! If you can, get a few different tools: V-gouges, U-gouges, large and small. Use all the tools you have, each will make a different kind of mark. For example, a V-gouge will make a very fine line if you use just the tip. If you carve deeper it will make a wider line. The most basic form of lino cutting tool is a plastic handle which can hold any of the various shapes of blade available. If you get serious about lino printing, you may find wooden handles more comfortable to use for extended periods, and consider having multiple handles so you don't have to stop to swap blades.

Baren: For those who prefer hand printing, a baren is the tool of choice. Its flat surface is ideal for transferring designs from lino to paper with even pressure. Roller: For a uniform print, apply consistent pressure. A pristine ink roller can help you achieve this. Roll firmly but gently across the entirety of the paper.Once you’ve practiced the examples above it will be time to raise the bar and start trying something a bit more complicated. Try creating the silhouette of a face or the outline of a tree. Silhouettes are a stalwart feature of many linocut designs and you will do well to experiment with subjects like the ones I’ve just suggested. When cutting delicate features like the lips of the face or the whites of the eyes, use a narrow cutter and tilt the tool at a greater angle than that used for a line. Avoid Over-Carving: Be cautious not to carve too deeply, as this can go all the way through the lino and affect how it prints. V cutters are the real workhorses for most linocut artists. They can be used for basic outlines, textures, detail cuts, and more. They also cut equally well on both sides of the blade, making them extremely versatile. Evaluation: After your trial prints, evaluate the clarity, sharpness, and contrast. Make note of areas that require adjustment or more careful inking next time. Choose an Appropriate Space: Opt for a well-lit, ventilated area with a sturdy, flat table or bench. Avoid carpeted areas, as lino ink can stain them permanently.