How to Apply Paint to Carved Blocks for Fabric Printing

Block printing uses negative space to make a design.

Block printing or linocut printing is the process of printing a design by creating the design with negative space. After carving designs into the surface of a lino block or wood block, you apply ink to the surface of the block, which is then transferred to paper or fabric. The negative space created by carving becomes the printed design. A thin but even layer of paint is required to properly transfer a sharp print to fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Foam paint roller
• Fabric paint
• Paint tray

Instructions

1. Put a small amount of fabric paint in the paint tray. Add only a little bit of paint at a time when you think more paint is needed.

2. Roll the paint roller in the paint tray until the roller is completely covered with paint.

3. Roll the paint roller over the carved block. Continue until the entire surface is covered. Do not push on the roller. Applying too much pressure can cause the paint to gather in the carvings, which makes the print blurry if it bleeds out while applying the print.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice on scrap fabric or muslin before applying the print to the final fabric.

• If the print comes out too light, go over the carved block a few more times with the paint roller.

References

• Home Life: Step-by-Step Lino Block Printing