Linocut AI Illustration Vector Image Free Download | An Orange Marigold

Part 4: Your Perfect Guide to Your First Linocut: Tools and Materials

If you’ve decided to enter the world of linocut, the first hurdle is choosing the right tools and materials. This choice is not just a preparatory step but the first creative act that determines the aesthetic possibilities of your final work. The combination of the block’s hardness, the carving tool’s shape, the ink’s viscosity, and the paper’s texture defines the character of the outcome. Here is a detailed guide for beginners on the features and selection of each material.

4.1. Choosing a Block: Types of Linoleum

There are three main types of blocks, the most fundamental material for linocut.

Traditional “Battleship” Lino: This is the traditional gray linoleum, backed with hessian fabric. It’s made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork dust. It’s excellent for expressing fine details, and carved pieces ‘snap’ off cleanly. However, it is harder and requires more force to carve. It can also become brittle when old or cold, sometimes needing to be warmed before use.
Soft-Cut Lino: A modern alternative based on plastic or PVC. As the name suggests, it’s very soft and easy to carve with little force, making it highly recommended for beginners. On the downside, its softness makes it difficult to maintain very fine lines, and you need to lift the tool slightly at the end of a cut to remove the piece cleanly.
Japanese Vinyl: This material has a hardness between traditional lino and soft-cut. Being firmer than soft-cut, it holds its shape well under a printing press.

4.2. Carving Tools: V, U, and Beyond

Carving tools are the most crucial instruments that define the expression of a linocut. Beginner sets usually feature one handle with interchangeable blades, while professional tools have a handle for each blade. The shape of the blade clearly defines its role.

V-Gouge: Used for sharp, precise lines and delicate details. By adjusting the depth of the cut, you can vary the thickness of the line.
U-Gouge (Round Gouge): Used for clearing large areas or creating bold, smooth curves of a consistent thickness.
Other Tools: There are also knives for outlining and flat chisels for clearing very large background areas.

Beginners should start with an entry-level set from brands like Essdee or Speedball. As your skills improve, you can upgrade to professional brands like Pfeil or Flexcut. A good starting set of professional tools would typically include: ① a very small V-gouge (for details), ② a medium V-gouge (for main lines), and ③ a small U-gouge (for clearing small areas).

4.3. The World of Inks: Oil-Based vs. Water-Based

Inks are broadly divided into water-based and oil-based, each with distinct pros and cons.

Water-Based Inks: Easy to clean with water and quick-drying, making them suitable for beginners working at home. However, they can dry too quickly, shortening working time, and cheaper products may result in patchy, uneven prints.
Oil-Based Inks: Offer deep, vibrant colors and dry slowly, allowing for a more leisurely working process. They are preferred by professionals but require solvents like petroleum for cleanup.
Water-Washable Oil-Based Inks: The most popular hybrid type recently. They offer the superior quality of oil-based inks but can be easily cleaned with soap and water, combining the best of both worlds. Caligo Safe Wash inks are a prime example and are highly recommended for everyone from beginners to professionals.

4.4. Choosing Paper: The Final Touch that Defines the Outcome

The type of paper used can significantly alter the final feel of the print. The most important criterion for paper selection is the printing method.

Hand Printing: This method, which involves rubbing with a baren or spoon, uses less pressure, so thin (30-120 gsm) and smooth paper is necessary for even ink transfer. Thin Japanese papers like Hosho or Kitakata are ideal.
Press Printing: A press can apply strong, even pressure, allowing for the use of thick (250 gsm or more) and textured paper. Professional printmaking papers made of 100% cotton, such as BFK Rives or Stonehenge, are typical choices.
Practice: For test prints and practice, inexpensive newsprint or sketch paper is sufficient.

For long-term preservation of the artwork, it’s best to choose ‘acid-free’ and ‘archival’ grade paper.

4.5. Other Essential Equipment

Inking Slab: A flat plate, usually glass or acrylic, for rolling out ink evenly.
Brayer (Roller): The tool for applying ink to the block. A soft rubber brayer is generally preferred.
Baren or Spoon: A tool for rubbing the back of the paper during hand printing.
Bench Hook: A safety device that holds the linoleum block in place to prevent it from slipping during carving. It is essential for safe work.

Material	Type	Characteristics	Pros	Cons	Recommended For
Linoleum Block	Traditional Lino	Gray, hessian-backed, hard	Good for fine details, pieces snap off cleanly	Hard to carve, can be brittle	Experienced users, detailed work
	Soft-Cut	PVC material, very soft	Very easy to carve	Difficult for fine lines, less durable	Beginners, educational use
Carving Tools	Beginner Set	Interchangeable blades	Inexpensive, allows experience with various blades	Blades dull easily, less precise	Beginners
	Professional	Integrated handle, high-quality steel	Stays sharp longer, allows for precise carving	Expensive	Intermediate and advanced users
Ink	Water-Based	Cleans with water, dries fast	Easy cleanup, low odor	Dries quickly, can be hard to apply evenly	Beginners, home use
	Oil-Based	Cleans with solvent, dries slow	Deep, vibrant colors, long working time	Messy cleanup, harmful fumes	Professionals
	Water-Washable Oil-Based	Cleans with soap and water	Quality of oil-based with convenience of water-based	More expensive than standard water-based	Recommended for all users
Paper	Japanese Paper	Thin (30-120 gsm), smooth	Good ink transfer for hand printing	Tears easily	Hand printing
	Cotton Paper	Thick (250+ gsm), textured	High-quality results, durable	Difficult to print without a press	Press printing