Relief Printing With Lino Blocks: Step-by-Step, Plus Troubleshooting for Cleaner Prints

December 7, 2025

Learn a simple relief printing workflow using linoleum blocks, carving tools, inks, brayers, and barens from Art Noise.
Follow a step-by-step process for your first clean print, then use the troubleshooting section to fix patchy ink, blurry edges, and weak impressions.
Includes a quick checklist and direct links to the core supplies.

Lino Block Printing Printmaking Paper Printmaking Ink

Relief printing, your first clean linocut print

This walkthrough is for one clear goal: pull a clean, single-colour relief printing proof from a carved lino block, using a simple hand-printing setup.

The Lino Block Printing collection is built around the core relief workflow: linoleum blocks, carving tools, block printing inks, brayers (rollers), and barens for hand pressure. If you want the bigger picture first, start with Relief printing: techniques, types, examples and supplies.

For this guide, we will assume you are printing on paper by hand (no press). If you want to expand your kit after your first good proof, browse Printmaking tools and accessories and Printmaking paper.

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What you need, then the step-by-step process

What you need

A carveable block, for example Speedball Red Baron Lino Block (Mounted)
A carving tool, for example Jack Richeson Wooden Handle Lino Cutter
Block printing ink (browse Impressions Block Printing Ink)
An ink roller, for example Speedball 4" Pop In Plastic Brayer
A hand-pressure tool, for example Speedball Baren
Paper (start with printmaking paper so your troubleshooting is easier)

Step-by-step

Pick a simple design and remember reversal. Keep it bold, with larger shapes and clear lines. If your design includes text, reverse it so it prints correctly.
Transfer the design to the block. Draw directly on the block, or transfer your sketch so your lines are easy to follow while carving.
Carve away what you do not want to print. In relief printing, the raised areas print. Work with light, shallow passes, and keep the block from sliding while you carve.
Roll out a thin, even ink layer. Put a small amount of ink on a smooth surface, then use your brayer to spread it until it is even, before rolling it onto the raised surface of the block.
Print a proof. Place paper carefully on the inked block. Use steady pressure across the whole image area, then lift one corner to check before committing to a full pull.
Adjust and repeat. Proof prints are how you dial in ink amount, pressure, and carving clarity. Make one change at a time so you can see what helped.

Jack Richeson - Plastic Lino Cutter Set - Art Noise Jack Richeson - Plastic Lino Cutter Set Jack Richeson Printmaking art-noise.myshopify.com jack-richeson-plastic-lino-cutter-set

Relief printing troubleshooting, quick fixes that work

1) Patchy print, missing areas

Usually this is uneven ink, uneven pressure, or both. Re-roll ink thinner and more evenly, then re-print with slower, more consistent pressure.

2) Blobby print, loss of detail

This often means too much ink. Roll out less ink, aim for a thinner layer, and re-ink the block with lighter passes.

3) Blurry edges or “shadow” marks

Check for paper shift. Set your paper down carefully, then keep it registered while you burnish. If you are printing multiples, mark a simple placement guide on your table.

4) Weak, pale impression

Add pressure slowly and evenly across the whole image. A baren helps you build consistent pressure without a press, especially on solid shapes and edges.

5) Solid areas print streaky

Work the baren in overlapping circles and spend extra time on large shapes and borders. Also check your ink layer, streaks can come from an uneven roll-out.

6) Fine lines fill in

Reduce ink amount, and deepen or widen the carved channels slightly so they stay open. Proof again after each small adjustment.

7) Paper tears, scuffs, or stretches

Ease up on pressure, slow down your burnishing, and try a different paper from your printmaking paper stack so you can compare results.

8) Ink dries before you finish inking

Work smaller, keep your roll-out area tidy, and do shorter inking passes. If you are stopping for a while, clean up and restart with fresh ink.

9) The print looks “backwards”

That is normal for relief printing. Flip your design before transfer, especially text and asymmetrical shapes, then proof early to confirm it reads the way you want.

Pro tips, a quick checklist, and your next steps

Pro tips that make your next print easier

Do a fast test pull before committing to your good paper. One proof can save a whole edition.
Keep your first block small. A small block makes it easier to learn even ink and even pressure.
If your results vary print to print, change only one variable at a time (ink amount, pressure, or paper).

Quick checklist for a clean relief printing pull

Raised areas are inked, carved areas stay clean
Ink layer is thin and even before it touches the block
Paper is placed once, then held in position
Pressure is slow, steady, and covers the whole image
Proof, adjust, then print your next pull

Ready to build your kit or restock? Start with Lino Block Printing, then add colour from Impressions Block Printing Ink and paper from Printmaking Paper. If you are ordering online from Art Noise in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, you can also review the Shipping Policy before checkout.

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