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How to Use Linoleum Carving Tools

Linoleum block prints are one of the easiest types of print to make. The tools are basic, and the linoleum itself is easy to carve compared to other materials like wood. In the process of making the print, use your carving tools to remove linoleum from the surface of the linoleum, taking away the areas that you do not want to print, the negative areas. This leaves the raised surface of the linoleum you will ink. From there, place the inked linoleum on your paper and transfer the ink to the paper, creating your print. The resulting print is a reversed image of your carved plate, so keep that in mind if you are using letters or numbers.

Things You'll Need

  • Linoleum tool handle
  • Linoleum blades (liners and gougers of various sizes)
  • Brayer
  • Ink and paper
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Instructions

  1. Handle

    • 1

      Hold the gougers and liners to carve the linoleum, using the handle. Slide the blunter edge of the gouger or liner fully into the curved slot in the handle.

    • 2

      Draw your design on the block, and carve with the gougers of the largest size you have to remove the negative space from the linoleum block. These are the areas that you do not want to print. The gougers are sharp, so work in a direction that goes away from your body, in case the tool should slip (they are sharp). This is easier if you are working on a table. You may want to stand up.

    • 3

      Work into the more detailed areas, using the smaller gougers. Liners cut very slim slices, and can be used to cut fine lines into the linoleum. Remember that these lines will remain the color of the paper you print on.

    • 4

      Lay our your ink on a flat surface and roll it out using the brayer, a small roller with a handle, once you are ready to print. Take your time and make sure to roll it out smoothly and evenly. Ink up the brayer fully and roll the ink onto the linoleum.

    • 5

      Press the block onto the paper fully, then slowly remove the block, revealing your print.

Fine Art

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