Linoleum Block Printing

Linoleum block printing is a form of printmaking that uses linoleum for the relief process.  It is often referred to as linocut and can be used for both industrial and commercial purposes. Linoleum block printing may also involve linoleum attached to a block of wood for hard impact impressions. It is often used in arts and crafts as users can construct makeshift linoleum block printers from simple materials.

How Linoleum Block Printing Works
An image is drawn and carved onto a linoleum board so that flat areas display the image and gouged areas appear white when pressed onto a surface. The image, as well as any text, must be drawn backwards and can be drawn directly on the linoleum or applied using tracing paper. Excess linoleum is then stripped away while the main  image is attached to a wooden mount. This piece is dipped into ink and used to press an image onto a wide variety of objects and materials such as jewelry, fabrics, concrete, drywall, metal, wood, stone, and paper.

Applications
Linoleum block printing ranges from industrial printing to commercial grade arts and crafts. It can produce high quality impressions and is often chosen because it is easy to use and the design is simple. Linoleum, as any woodblock printing material, can be used for stamping, rubbing, and printing. Though linoleum itself is a relatively new addition to the printing industry, woodblock printing has been used since 3000 B.C. In linoleum block printing, the linoleum must only be slightly pressed against the receiving material in order for a print to be made.

Advantages
Linoleum has several advantages that make it a preferred material in woodblock printing. For example, linoleum is very soft and easy to cut, so a design can be quickly and easily carved into it. Likewise, linoleum does not have any grain patterns like wood does, so cross cutting illustrations can be carved into the linoleum without interfering with the realistic quality of the image. Linoleum is highly malleable and can be stretched, bent, cut, and painted to fit almost any need.

Disadvantages
Linoleum block printing is hardly ever used anymore and more advanced methods including type printing and digital laser printing have replaced it. Although linoleum is easy to cut, it is very fragile and does not hold up to the pressure of printing for very long. Its tendency to fall apart is also why linoleum is not the preferred choice for larger works.