A Step-by-Step Explanation of the Reduction Linoleum Block Printing Process- Part 2
- dcbabcock1
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
Cutting Technique:
Before I show you how to print, I want to give you some important information regarding Linoleum cutters. The Speedball cutters that I use come in five sizes. I photographed a number 2 cutter and a number 5 cutter, shown below. I seldom use the number 1 cutter because the line it carves is so small it will be lost when printing a multiple color Linoleum Block print. The block shows just the white parts of the image carved away. This is the paper showing through. Below that, I made a short video demonstrating carving technique.
SAFETY FIRST! Your primary goal is to finish with the same number of fingers you started with. Notice in the video my free hand is behind the blade. I often need to turn the linoleum so I can keep my hand out of harm's way. I use an iron to heat the linoleum; it gives me more control as I carve. I set the iron on a low setting and place it directly on the surface for 3-5 seconds. The linoleum should be warm but not hot to the touch. Softened linoleum will keep you safe and lessen the chances that you will slip and make a mistake. If you do err, remember Bob Ross said, "There are no mistakes, only happy accidents." Over time you will learn how to modify your design if you run into problems. That is part of the creative process.
I also demonstrated how to hold the linoleum cutter. Do not hold it like a pencil. Angle the blade down at a 30-45 degree angle. You should be able to feel the carving lines when you run your hand over the block. When in doubt, make the lines a little larger and deeper than you think they need to be. It's okay if you cut all the way to the burlap back.
Once I cut out the white areas, I am ready to print the first color. Learn how to ink the block and press the paper in my next installment.
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