Linocut for beginners – inking and printing

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If you haven’t seen steps 1-3 of this linocut for beginners project, check out my earlier blog post to learn how to design and carve your first block print. If you already have your project carved, get ready – inking and printing is the most satisfying part!

Watch me demonstrate how to ink and print your first linocut on my YouTube channel.

Step 4 – Ink your block

Squeeze out some ink onto an inking plate surface that has enough space to roll out a very thin layer of ink. Roll it out using your brayer. I usually prefer a soft brayer but a hard brayer will work. Learn more about common supplies in my blog post on linocut supplies for beginners.

There’s a sshhhhshhhshhshhh noise that you’ll learn to identify over time that will let you know you’ve rolled it out at the right thickness. It can take a few printing sessions before you learn how much ink will work best. Generally, you’re aiming for somewhat of an orange peel texture to your ink. It’ll be quite thin but with a little substance.

Now roll a thin layer of ink onto your design on the block. Take a look at it from all angles to make sure you’ve covered all printing surfaces with ink.

Tip

You can use a piece of plexiglass or a piece of disposable palette paper as your inking plate.
If you use a piece of palette paper, make sure it’s coated so the ink won’t soak through and tape down the edges to keep it in place.

Step 5 – Print!

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Place your block, ink-side up, on a stable surface. Then place a piece of your print-making paper onto your block. It’s very important that you do not move the paper at this stage, or you’ll end up smudging your print.

a hand rubbing the back of a piece of paper with a printmaking baren

Using a printmaking baren or a wooden spoon, rub the back of the piece of paper everywhere it touches the design on the block. Apply even pressure. This will help ensure you’re transferring ink from the block to the paper. Now lift up your paper, again making sure to not move it from side to side or you may smudge.

a hand pulling a new print off a printmaking block

Carefully lift up your piece of paper. Now admire your print! Print yourself a few more and then share your favourites!

a pair of banana leaf block prints and a carved linocut

Buy supplies

Pick up the supplies you need for this project at your local art supply store or on Amazon:

Canada

Step 4 – Ink your block

Tip

Step 5 – Print!

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