Above: Cyril Power. "Monseignor St. Thomas" (1931) color linocut
CARVING + MARK MAKING TOOLS
Linoleum has no grain direction, is relatively soft and can be carved in all directions without consideration for splintering or chipping. Tools made for relief carving in wood as well as xacto knives and scalpels can be used for carving lino. Tools include:
DIY Tools
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BENCH HOOKS
It's important to keep the block stable when carving. CARVING RULES:
RESOURCES |
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TYPES OF LINO
Linoleum is sold both mounted on rigid backing material or ‘unmounted,’ without support. The most common type of unmounted linoleum is known as "battleship" linoleum and is gray in color. It is offered in plates or by the foot off rolls of various widths. The backside has a burlap fabric that strengthens the substrate. CARVING The newer the lino is the easier it will be to carve. The linseed oil that forms part of linoleum composition hardens with time and will make carving more difficult. Aged or cold linoleum can be softened somewhat with careful warming under a heat lamp, hairdryer or forced air heater. This will reduce the amount of effort needed during carving. Partly due to the calcium carbonate in the linoleum composition, carving tools will dull more quickly than when carving wood. Tools should be honed on a leather strop periodically during use to maintain a keen edge. STORAGE If the linoleum is too old, left in sunlight for an extended period, or exposed to temperature extremes of hot and cold it can become brittle, difficult to carve and prone to cracking. Common Linoleum Products:
Non-art materials that can be carved (article):
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Other common materials that can be carved:
Other common materials that can be used as stamps:
13 Creative Stamps Made With Stuff From Around The House (article) |
IMAGE TRANSFER
There are a lot of ways to get your image ontp the block, or matrix. Learn how to transfer and choose the process that works best for you!
RESOURCES Use a permanent marker to trace over the transferred drawing. You must reinforce the image on the block before you begin carving! |
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INKS
Water-based means the main ingredient is water and does not mean it is water-soluble, especially after it dries. Water-soluble means it will dissolve in water. Water-soluble, oil-based ink suggestions:
Ink Modifiers and Additives When mixing shades of ink, you have the choice to dilute the color with either Opaque White ink or an Extender. Both of these give us different results so which should we choose? Other Modifiers and Ink Additives
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PAPER
Paper suggestions:
Gampi – Any gampi papers are ideal because their smooth surface has the ability to show very fine detail. The Chinese characters for gampi literally translates as “goose skin”. This paper is sometimes referred to as “silk tissue”. (About Gampi from Japan)
Kozo – Kozo papers with a crisp, smooth surface work very well.
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REGISTRATION SYSTEMS
There are lots of different registration systems that will help you keep you printed layers in alignment. They include: Click here is a great overview of most registration systems! |
REDUCTION PROCESS
RESOURCES |
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CLEAN UP
When you are not using oil based inks, clean-up is much easier – and safer for the environment!
DON'T USE A SOLVENT FOR CLEAN UP! A SAFE ALTERNATIVE IS VEGETABLE OIL! A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY! |
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SAFETY
Health and safety in the home studio is very important. You don't want to contaminate your living space with chemicals or other hazards. General Basics to Always Follow:
Linocut Specific Safety to Always Follow:
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References (still in progress)
https://letterpresscommons.com/linoleum/
https://letterpresscommons.com/linoleum/