- haychley
different lino blocks - compare and contrast
Following on from a previous post detailing my tools and suppliers, I wanted to expand a little bit on the different types of lino blocks that I use and why I use them.
I alternate between three main types, depending on what I’m creating; traditional grey hessian-backed lino, Japanese vinyl and Speedball speedy carve. Below are some pros and cons I’ve assembled based upon my experience with the three types.
Traditional grey hessian-backed lino
This grey material is most commonly associated with lino printing. Below, you can see some example cuts into the lino using a variety of different sized tools and the block I carved to print 'Alley Cats'.
Pros
Inexpensive to buy
Buy in pre-cut A4/A3 blocks or a large roll
Great for fine detail
Widely available
Physically easy to carve
Cons
Difficult to cut into smaller blocks as the backing it so strong
Can be difficult to clean as ink stains the block
Degrades over time and becomes dry and brittle (at room temperature, fresh lino should be bendy and have that lovely linseed smell)
Can be difficult to see where you’ve already carved


Japanese vinyl
This blue-green vinyl is a lot more aesthetically pleasing I find than grey lino and either side of the block can be carved. Cutting into it reveals a black layer underneath which is great for seeing where you have already carved.
Pros
Relatively inexpensive to buy
Buy in pre-cut blocks
Black layer revealed as you cut into the block
Easy to cut block without mess
Great for large blocks of colour/minimalist designs
Easy to clean the block after use
Cons
More difficult than grey lino to physically carve (tools need to be sharpened frequently)
Less widely available
Fine details can be difficult to achieve without practise


Speedball speedy carve
I use this pink rubber material for making my wood mounted stamps as it works incredibly well with an ink pad but I have seen artists use much larger blocks to create full size prints too.
Pros
The best stamp carving material available
Incredibly easy to carve physically
Blocks can be very easily cut
Cons
Expensive to buy
Unforgiving (even the smallest mistakes will show on a print)
Less widely available than traditional lino


What type of lino do you prefer to use and why? Let me know in the comments below.