Printmaking: Linocut
Linocut is a Relief Printing process and is produced the same way as a woodcut or a wood engraving,
where a flat surface of wood or lino is used as the printing surface.
The lino block consists of a thin layer of linoleum (can also be mounted on a wooden block)
and is considerably easier to cut than wood as it is much softer.
Any parts of the design not to be printed, must first be cut away using special lino-cutting tools.
(normally used for creating the marks and lines).
The part of the block that are cut away surrounds the part that will read as the image.
You then ink up the plate by rolling the ink onto the block with a small rubber paint roller,
and the image is transferred to the paper using direct pressure.
With Linocut you can do both monocrome and multicoloured layers.
For multi coloured prints the block is reduced in stages,
and a small amount of the block is removed by cutting away only those areas that are designate to the first colour.
After having printed the first colour, the lino block is cut a little more, and then re-inked with a different colour.
The plate is then printed over the first colour and the cutting is continued until you have the desired image.
You can print as many colours as you like (provided there are any areas left on the plate to cut away.)
The Image will always appear reverse as the lino is in direct contact with the paper.
Tips and hints:
The lino block can be slightly heated and warmed to make the cutting process easier.
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The image can be drawn onto the plate with a pencil or marker before you start cutting.
(Remember that the image will appear reversed)
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A linocut can be printed by hand without a printing press. Ink up as usual and then use the back of a spoon to rub all over the back of the printing paper.
It is important to rub evenly.
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