How to Make Linoleum Blocks

Great linoleum carvings require good carving tools and a quality linoleum block.

Printmaking with carved linoleum, also called linocut, is an old and highly evolved printing technique. The artist carves a relief or inset design into a piece of linoleum which has been mounted onto a linoleum block. This method replaced woodcuts as the most desirable medium because the softer linoleum is much easier to carve, supporting angles and swirls almost unobtainable when carving wood. The resulting carving is then inked and pressed or rolled onto paper, glass or other receiving surfaces. The best linoleum blocks are pine wood that is 2 inches thick to elevate the work surface with a non-slip underside.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch-by-12 inch pine board 8 feet in length
• Tape measure
• Framing square
• Carpenter's pencil
• Circular saw
• Power sander
• Terrycloth rag or old towel
• Anti-slip walkway material
• Construction glue
• Hearing protection
• Eye protection

Instructions

Make the Linoleum Block

1. Cut a 11 1/2-inch length of board from a 2-inch by 12-inch by 8-foot long common pine board, drawing two squared crosscut lines 11 1/2 inches apart on the board and cutting them with a circular saw. The dimensions of this square, cut board are exactly 11 1/2 inches by 11 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches. (Note: A 2-by-12-inch common board is actually 11 1/2 inches wide, 1 1/2 inches thick and up to 20 feet in length.)

2. Select one side as the top and power sand it and all the edges of the block.

3. Rinse the block with water and briskly dry all its surfaces with a clean piece of terrycloth.

4. Measure and cut a piece of anti-slip walkway material to a size equaling 11 1/2 inches by 11 1/2-inches. (Note: this material is clearly overkill for its intended purpose but its durability will ensure that a linoleum block constructed in this manner will last for years.)

5. Place the linoleum block, face down, on a cloth-covered work surface and apply a thin coat of construction glue to the backside of the block. (Note: this step is required even if the anti-slip material is self-adhesive.)

6. Carefully press the anti-slip material sheet onto the backside of the block. Invert the block, apply a heavy weight and allow it to dry overnight. The finished block can be used over and over by attaching a linoleum blank before it is carved (usually with several dots of glue) and removing it afterward. If the finished carving is to be re-inked many times it can be left on the block temporarily or full-surface glued and left indefinitely.

Tips & Warnings

• If the block is intended for a child's hobby class you can downsize the design, using a 1-inch board and applying anti-slip tape strips to the backside.

• Always wear hearing and eye protection when using power tools.

References

• "Block Printing: Techniques for Linoleum and Wood"; Sandy Allison; 2010

Resources

• Fiji Island Mermaid Press; "How To Make A Linocut"