Tools and Equipment for Lino Printing

There are a number of items that are essential for lino printing and then there is additional equipment that is useful and can make your life easier but is not essential.  The essentials are as follows:

A Piece of Linoleum

These are commonly known as Lino Blocks.  They can be found in your local arts and crafts shop or else you can buy them online.  These come in various different sizes so but sure to choose a size that best suits your design and paper.  Typically if you buy in bulk you will get them much cheaper than if you buy one on its own.  To begin with it is probably best to just buy one lino block in your local shop.  Here is a picture of some lino blocks that have not been carved yet.

Lino Cutting Set

To carve the lino block you will need a lino cutter.  Typically you buy the lino handle on its own and then buy a set of lino blades or cutters as they are also known.  In some stores you will be able to get a starter kit which will contain the lino handle and a variety of blades.  The handles come in a variety of sizes and shapes if you look around you can find one that fits your hand comfortably.  Here is a picture of a Lino Cutting Handle:

Blades come in various shapes and sizes.  The following six shapes are the most useful:

1. Liner
   
2. V-Gouge
   
3. Large Line
   
4. U-Gouge
   
5. Large Gouge
   
6. Knife

Here is a picture of some Lino Cutting Blades:

Lino Rollers

The lino roller is the tool used to roll the ink onto the lino block.  They come in various different shapes and sizes.  The most common design is a metal frame and a red plastic handle.  If you are printing with a large lino block then a large Lino Roller will make things much easier.  The picture below shows the various sizes of Lino Rollers available.

Lino Printing Ink

There are various different types of inks and paints that can be used for Lino Printing and even combinations of both.  For the beginner a basic water based ink that you'll find in your local arts and craft shop will be perfect.  The ones that I use come in a variety of colours in 250ml tubes.  See image below for more details:

Lino Bench Hook

A bench hook is a device which is used to hold the lino block in one place during cutting.  There are two lips on either side of the bench hook, one to hold the lino block in place and one to hold the bench hook to the table top.  There are various different sizes and types available.  Some people even make their own bench hooks.  Here is a picture of a wooden bench hook:

Printing Press

A printing press is a mechanical device used to apply uniform pressure to the Lino Block thus transferring the image to the paper beneath the Lino Block.  Once again you can get various different types depending on how much money you are willing to spend.  This not essential equipment for Lino Printing but if you are producing a large amount of prints then it might be a good investment.

Simple Printing Press


Heavy Duty Printing Press


Sometimes you can pick up a printing press quite cheaply on eBay, although the delivery can be quite expensive.  If you are lucky you may find one that is not too far away.