Definition
Linocut, also known as lino printing, is a printmaking technique in which an image is carved into a sheet of linoleum, creating a relief matrix. The raised, uncut surfaces are inked with a roller and then pressed onto paper to produce a print. Because of linoleum’s smooth, soft texture compared with wood, it is easier to carve and allows for clean, bold lines as well as fine detail. Linocut is both a process and a set of tools, making it widely accessible to beginners while still offering versatility and depth for professional printmakers.
How It’s Used in Printmaking
In linocut printing, the workflow is straightforward but highly adaptable:
- Design transfer – The artist sketches directly onto the linoleum block or transfers a drawing using tracing paper or carbon paper.
- Carving – Specialised lino cutting tools remove the areas that should remain white (non-printing), leaving the design raised.
- Inking – A roller (brayer) evenly coats the raised surfaces with ink.
- Printing – Paper is pressed onto the block, either by hand burnishing with a baren/spoon or by running it through a press.
- Editioning – Multiple prints can be pulled from the same block, with variations possible through colour choices, layering, or registration methods.
Linocut belongs to the relief printing family, alongside woodcut. Beginners value its approachable, low-cost materials, while professionals push its creative limits through multicolour, reduction, or combined media approaches.
History & Origins
Linoleum was invented in the 1860s as a floor covering, but artists discovered its printmaking potential in the early 20th century. Unlike harder woods, linoleum required no grain to fight against, offering new expressive possibilities. The technique was popularised by the German Expressionists, such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Emil Nolde, who embraced linocut for its bold contrasts and direct carving style. In Britain, artists like Sybil Andrews and Claude Flight of the Grosvenor School also championed linocut, producing striking modernist prints that cemented its artistic reputation.
Variations & Related Terms
- Reduction linocut – A single block is carved and printed in stages, with each stage removing more of the block to allow multiple colours to build into one design.
- Multi-block linocut – A separate block is carved for each colour, which are then carefully registered to create a layered print.
- Jigsaw linocut – The block is cut into pieces, each inked in a different colour, then reassembled for printing.
- Woodcut – A related relief technique using carved wooden blocks.
- Screen printing – Another surface-printing method, though using stencils on mesh rather than carved blocks.
See also: Woodcut
See also: Screen Printing
See also: Relief Printing
Modern Applications
Linocut remains one of the most popular and versatile printmaking methods today. It is used by fine artists, illustrators, and hobbyists alike for everything from limited edition prints to posters, greeting cards, and textiles. Many contemporary printmakers embrace sustainable approaches by using eco-friendly inks and recycled linoleum. Digital tools also play a role, with designs often created or refined on computers before being transferred to the block. Despite these innovations, the hand-carved nature of linocut ensures it retains its tactile, craft-based identity.
Practical Tips & Products
- Block choice – Traditional grey linoleum offers crisp detail but requires warming to stay supple; soft-cut alternatives are easier for beginners.
- Tools – Invest in sharp gouges (U- and V-shaped) to achieve clean cuts and avoid tearing the surface.
- Safety – Always cut away from your body, secure the block on a bench hook, and consider protective gloves.
- Paper & ink – Uncoated papers absorb relief inks well. Experiment with different papers to adjust texture and finish.
- Experimentation – Try layering colours, mixing reduction with multi-block methods, or combining linocut with collage or digital processes.
Hickman Design supplies a range of linocut kits, carving tools, inks, and accessories, making it easy for beginners to get started and for experienced printmakers to refine their craft.
Related Guides & Articles
Guides & How-to
- Lino printing process guide
- Multicolour lino printing
- Why is my lino print not working?
- Methods to uncurve bowed linoleum
- 10 lino print ideas for beginners
- History of lino printing as an art form
- Relief lino printing artists
- Block printing and relief methods
(broader relief, still relevant to lino)
Equipment, Tools & Reviews
- Lino printing equipment explained
- Lino printing rollers and brayers
- Lino printing kit review
- Pfeil lino cutting tools
(brand-specific but directly for lino)
Glossary (lino-relevant entries)
- Linocut
- Relief printing
- Key block
- Reverse image
- Pulling a print
- Registration
- Registration colour
- Registration pins
- Reduction printing
- Overprinting
- Viscosity printing
- Baren
- Brayer
- Bench hook
- Gouges
- Burins
(less common in lino than gouges but occasionally used) - Etching needle
(mark-making and transfer use in lino setups) - Inking slab
- Palette knife
- Scrim / tarlatan
(mainly intaglio, but some makers use for ink management) - Oil-based ink
- Water-based ink
- Opaque and transparent inks
- Ink modifiers
