What is Linocut?
Linocut is a form of relief printing first introduced in the late 19th century. The image is engraved onto a linoleum plate, carving and cutting away all unwanted elements to leave a raised image ready for printing. To transfer the image, ink is then applied and the paper is pressed by hand or in a press. Linocut is now a popular engraving method for artists of all levels. Easier to engrave than wood due to its lack of grain, the artist can achieve soft, curved and flowing lines in lino, which would be extremely difficult if using a natural material. Linoleum can also be heated to reduce resistance during carving, but linoleum is more fragile and sensitive to pressure and can therefore deteriorate more quickly than wood or metal plates.
Linocut: the process
Linoleum plate, linocut tools, water-based inks and printing paper: discover the process and tools needed for linocut printing. Linoleum is an artificial material originally used as flooring. With no directional grain, it is possible to make all kinds of marks. Once the linocut plate has been cut and the relief image perfected, the surface is inked with an ink roller before moving on to printing. Manual printing or a manual press can be used to reproduce the image. The manual process involves pressing a piece of paper onto the inked surface and rubbing it with a wooden spoon or specially designed tools called barens and stamps, ensuring that the relief print is fully transferred to the paper. The paper is then removed to reveal the imprint. The manual press is a simple machine that sandwiches the plate and paper together and applies pressure to transfer the image onto the paper.
ALL THE TOOLS FOR LINOCUT
Gouges
These tools allow the engraver to carve the lino and create defined shapes and precise angles for the image.
We offer a range of high-quality gouges with round cutting blades, in U- or V-shapes, and a sharpening stone to keep the gouges in superior condition.
Inking Rollers
Ink is applied to the lino using a roller made of hard materials to ensure good contact with the carved surface without overloading it.
We offer a range of rollers in various sizes and styles, with plastic or wooden handles.
Barens and Burnishers
For manual printing, it’s important to press the paper evenly against the inked relief without denting or marking the paper.
We offer a range of high-quality barens and burnishers to press on the back of the paper during printing.
Linoleum Blocks
The lino engraver has access to a range of lino blocks in different thicknesses, densities, and colours.
We offer a selection of classic grey lino blocks with a flexible jute-cloth backing. This support holds fine details without crumbling and withstands the pressure of the printing press.
Inks
The most suitable ink for relief printing is a highly pigmented ink with medium to strong adhesion. Charbonnel manufactures a range of finely ground inks, including water-washable ink, our emulsified ink, which is water-soluble and non-toxic, allowing for cleaning with soapy water.
The right paper for linocut
Linocut printing requires dry, thin, smooth paper, which should be chosen according to the type of printing: manual or with a press.
Linocut artists
GRAVÉ DU SUD
Stéphane Paugam, the creator of Gravé du Sud, uses linocut printing to celebrate both the iconic and hidden landscapes of his region. Inspired by Japanese woodblock prints, he chooses linoleum to develop a demanding, handcrafted style built on patience and precision. His first works the Vieux-Port and Sainte-Victoire – laid the foundations of a distinctive artistic identity and fuelled his desire to keep exploring and carving the South.
ANNE-CÉCILE LAFOURCADE
Anne-Cécile is a linocut artist based in Paris. During lockdown, she felt the need to reconnect with a hands-on activity and embraced this traditional printing technique. Obsessed with ultramarine, she works mainly with this ink.
CLAPOTIS SAUVAGE
A costume designer, illustrator, and printmaker, Clapotis Sauvage has a highly meticulous approach to engraving. Fascinated by insects and sunflowers, nature often appears in her prints, always with a touch of whimsy. Sign up and celebrate spring during a linocut workshop.
