Lino printing sets
Lino printing sets
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE LINO PRINTING SETS
What components should a Lino printing sets contain?
- Linoleum plates
- Ink roller
- Lino printing inks
- Hand roller or pressure roller
- Linocutting tools
- Tracing paper
Linoleum panels
In addition to the common material linoleum, there are now plastic sheets that have a homogeneous structure, do not crumble and therefore allow fine details to be worked out. The light-coloured surface also makes it much easier to sketch with a pencil.
Ink rollers
An ink roller (rubber roller) should above all be solvent-resistant and easy to clean. The design of a good roller allows it to be placed on its back without the roller touching the substrate.
Lino printing inks
The most common colour is black. An ink can be water-based or oil-based. The water-based version is suitable for beginners or children as it can be washed out easily.
Hand roller or pressure roller
For printing by hand (the simplest printing technique), we recommend using a hand pen or pressure roller. These tools are used to press the paper to be printed onto the lino cutting. The large diameter of the pressure tool ensures that the details are optimally transferred. However, force is also required to press the hand roller onto the surface. The same applies to the roller, which is run over the linocut several times to create an even print.
Linocut tools
Linoleum cutting tools are available in different qualities. On the one hand, you will find cutting nibs that are inserted into a handle, and on the other, tools with fixed blades. As a beginner, you will need a narrow V-parting tools and a narrow gouge, e.g. 2 mm wide for fine lines and a medium-width gouge, e.g. 6 mm wide for Flat. Once you have familiarised yourself with these three tools from the Lino printing sets, you will already know much better which other tools you may need to further develop your own technique.
Tracing paper
If the positive template is transferred to the plate, you get a negative. After printing, the result is a positive again. The motif is therefore mirrored during printing. This principle is familiar from stamping. Tracing paper is recommended to create a negative on the linoleum. The motif is drawn or traced onto the tracing paper. The paper is then placed upside down on the linoleum sheet. Place carbon paper (tracing paper, carbon paper, graphite paper) between the transparent paper and the linoleum plate. If you now trace the outline, the drawing is transferred to the linoleum plate.
The Lino printing sets - particularly advantageous for beginners
Lino printing sets are particularly beneficial for beginners as they provide an easy introduction to the technique of lino printing. Lino printing sets often also include instructions or templates to help you take your first steps in lino printing or learn new techniques. Without having to deal with the individual components before purchase, a well put together set, like a recommended purchase after a consultation, provides the user with all the tools and materials from carving to printing.
Techniques
Lino printing and lino cutting offer endless creative possibilities. Different blade shapes and sizes allow for different cuts and techniques required for different patterns and designs.
