However, I still wanted to finish the linocut I started, as it's a process I want to learn about.
The process is simple:
1. Buy linocut board. This was much more expensive than I had initially thought, with an A4 piece costing £5. There are also different types of lino available, with some being softer or harder than others.
2. Draw the design onto the board. This can be done in either pencil or pen, but the key is that they image is inverted, unlike screen printing. As I learnt, I needed to invert my text before printing it.
3. Cut out your design. You can use a variety of different sized cutters. Ensure that you cut away from you and keep your free hand well away from the board. It's easy to slip with the lino cutter, therefore very easy to hurt yourself. One tip is to heat up the lino before cutting into it - this softens it, making cuts easier to do.
4. Unlike screen printing, if you use two colours, it can be on the same board. You simply print one layer, then add more detail before printing the second.
5. Roll the ink onto the lino. This is done using a roller, to apply the ink evenly.
6. Evenly place the board onto paper, and press down. Unlike say, embossing, lino prints do not need AS much pressure applied. Remove the paper carefully in order to ensure the ink applies properly. However, you can also use a press to ensure a detailed print.
Issues & Common Mistakes
- Not cutting deep enough for the print. Removing the surface layer doesn't necessarily mean that area won't print. To ensure sharper edges, go round each edge so that the cut is a minimum of 2mm deep.
- Choosing the wrong subject matter. Linocutting gives a handmade and illustrative aesthetic. It is very difficult to achieve detail. For thinner, sharper edges, screen printing or digital print is much more appropriate.
- Linocut is much more time consuming than expected. Cutting out my design took several hours of time, much longer than I expected. If you choose to use linocut, allow plenty of time to produce it.
The Process Itself
Mixing oil based inks on the table.
Mixing oil based inks on the table using a roller. I ensured the colours were full mixed.
The inks mixed evenly.
I used a roller to ensure the ink was spread evenly. It's important to roll in the same direction and keep turning the lino to allow the whole piece of lino to be covered evenly.
I used the press to ensure a print with a much needed depth.
Final Prints
