Lino and Easy Carve “Lino”
Block printing can be done with many different types of lino, and each has its own characteristics. Each has its own pluses and minuses! You may want to try a few different kinds to see what you like. Physical stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby have a limited supply of a few kinds of lino. Dick Blicks Art Supply in Fullerton also may sell some kinds in its physical store. You can buy lino online at Amazon as well as at numerous art supply stores.
Be aware that when you buy any of these lino blocks, the given size is often a rough estimate. It may end up being slightly different when you get it.
Speedy Carve
Speedball makes a pink substance called Speedy Carve that many beginners like. (Do not get Speedy Cut, which has a similar name but is not as good)
Pluses of Speedy Carve
- Available in stores as well as online and comes in many sizes
- Soft and thus easy to carve
- Can use beginner’s tools like the Speedball Lino Cutter on it
- Cleans up easy as no material backing
- Can carve both sides
- Does not become brittle over time
Minuses of Speedy Carve
- More expensive
- Because it is “rubbery” it tends to distort when carving small details
- Carves so easily it is easy to accidentally go too far
There are other brands similar to Speedy Carve including Inovart Eco Printing Plates and a Dick Blick store brand. I will show some of these in class.
Traditional Lino
You can get traditional lino either mounted or unmounted.
Pluses of traditional lino
- Less expensive
- Depending on type can hold fine detail better
- Less tendency to accidentally cut too much
Minuses of traditional lino
- Can be confusing to buy because there are many types
- If you use unmounted it can be difficult to clean and keep dry
- Harder, and thus can be more difficult to cut into, especially if you have dull tools
- Can only carve one side
- Over the course of years it can become brittle
In Between
There are some brands of carving blocks that seem to bridge the gap. I like Jack Richeson Easy-to-Cut Lino. It is almost a blend between the two types listed above. You can buy it online and also Hobby Lobby sometimes has it in stock. It is roughly $3.80 at Hobby Lobby for a 5 x 7 and you can carve both sides. If you have a coupon it is less. You can also buy it online at art stores. It is also available in 4 x6 and other sizes.
Floor Lino
Some people do use linoleum from floor tiles. I have not tried it. I have heard it is harder than art lino.
Economical Way to “Make Lino” Using Shower Pan Lining
Although it is not ideal, you can “make” fake “lino” by taking shower pan lining that you can get at Home Depot or Lowes and glue it onto a backing. This substance carves a lot like lino. I will bring a sample to class. This is an economical way to make a block of larger “lino.”
Free Sample
Finally, if you would like a free sample of lino to try, check out McClain’s Printmaking Supplies on this page. Half way down the page it says to email them for a free sample, and I did that and got a free sample. This site has higher end supplies including Japanese tools and lots of good block printing advice as well.
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I recommend joining some social media about block printing.
You can review my Keynote Presentation about Block Printing.