How to Make a Lino Print Step by Step
Why Try Lino Printing?
Lino printing is one of the most rewarding ways to explore printmaking. Unlike drawing or painting, a single carved block can be printed over and over again, allowing you to experiment with different papers, ink colours and compositions. Each print has its own subtle character, making the process as enjoyable as the finished artwork.
If you've never tried relief printmaking before, don't be intimidated. You don't need a printing press or a dedicated studio to get started. With just a few simple tools, some quality lino, and a little patience, you can create beautiful hand-printed artwork from your kitchen table.
In this tutorial, Max Black guides you through how to make a lino print from start to finish, sharing the techniques she teaches in her popular workshops. By the end, you'll have your own carved seashell block ready to print again and again, and the confidence to begin experimenting with your own designs.
Table of contents
Why You'll Love Lino Printing
- Create multiple original prints from a single carved block.
- Experiment with different ink colours and papers.
- Learn a versatile printmaking technique you can also use on fabric.
- Build confidence with carving while creating a beautiful handmade artwork.
What You'll Need
- Easy Cut Lino (or traditional lino block)
- Printed seashell template
- Transfer Medium
- Soft paintbrush (for applying the transfer medium)
- Cotton pad or soft cloth (for rubbing away the backing paper)
- V-shaped lino cutting tool
- Craft knife (X-Acto or similar)
- Water-based printmaking ink
- Brayer (roller)
- Inking plate or smooth acrylic/glass sheet
- Printmaking paper
- Baren, wooden spoon or smooth stone (for burnishing)
- Warm water and a soft cloth (for cleaning up)
Before You Start
- Protect your work surface with a cutting mat or scrap paper.
- Keep your printed reference nearby while carving.
- Work in a well-lit space so you can clearly see your cutting lines.
How to Transfer Your Shell Design to Lino
Step 1: Apply the Transfer Medium
Print out the shell image you'd like to carve.
Using a brush, apply a generous coat of Pébéo Transfer Medium across the entire surface of your lino. Make sure you achieve an even, thick layer with good coverage, as this will help preserve all the detail in your image.
Place your printed image face down onto the lino, making sure it lies completely flat.
Gently rub across the entire surface to remove any air bubbles or creases. If any areas wrinkle or lift, they may not transfer properly.
Set aside and allow it to dry completely.
Max's Tip: Take your time during this stage. A smooth transfer will make carving much easier later on.
Step 2: Remove the Paper Backing
Once the transfer is completely dry, wet the paper using a damp sponge or soft cloth.
Allow the water to soak into the paper fibres for a few seconds.
Working slowly, rub the paper away using your sponge, cloth or fingertips. As the paper pulp lifts away, the transferred ink image will remain on the lino.
Continue gently rubbing in small circles until the paper is completely removed and the shell design is clearly visible.
Once you're happy with the transfer, you're ready to start carving.
Carving Your Lino Block
Carving is the foundation of every successful print, so don't rush this stage.
As Max says:
"Once you've carved something out, you can't put it back! It's better to carve less, make a test print, and then decide if you want to carve more."
A well-carved lino block takes patience—and that's all part of the process.
Step 3: Carve the Outline
Keep your carving blade at a low angle and avoid cutting too deeply. Pébéo Lino Ink rolls on in a very thin layer, so deep cuts aren't necessary.
Start by carving around the outside edge of your shell design.
Step 4: Carve the Details
Next, carve away the white areas of the pattern while leaving the black areas untouched. Stay slightly away from your carved edge to help maintain crisp lines.
Max prefers using a small V-shaped cutter for most of the carving, allowing for plenty of fine detail.
Press harder for thicker lines and more lightly for thinner ones.
Step 5: Prepare Your Block
Once you've finished carving, use a craft knife or precision blade to trim away the excess lino surrounding your shell.
Printing Your Lino Block
If there is still any paper residue left from the transfer process, rinse your lino under warm water and gently scrub it away.
Your lino block is now ready to print.
Step 6: Roll Out Your Ink
Squeeze a small amount of lino printing ink onto a palette.
Using a brayer, roll the ink out into a thin, even layer.
Avoid applying ink directly from the tube onto your lino, as this can clog the carved details. Instead, load the brayer from the palette before rolling it evenly across your block.
Step 7: Make Your Print
Place your printmaking paper carefully over the inked lino.
Using either a printing press, a barren, a burnishing stone or another hand-printing tool, rub firmly across the back of the paper to transfer the ink.
If you're using thin printmaking paper such as Pébéo Lino Paper, you'll often be able to see a faint "ghost image" through the back of the sheet as the ink transfers.
Once you've burnished the entire surface, carefully peel the paper away in one smooth motion.
Step 8: Experiment with Colour
Once you've made your first print, don't stop there!
Try printing several more using different ink colours or combinations. Every print will have its own unique character.
Max created beautiful variations by mixing:
Prussian Blue + Magenta
Duochrome Pink-Blue
Duochrome Yellow-Violet
Once the ink has fully dried, you can even add watercolour or markers over the top without reactivating the lino ink.
Step 9: Clean Up
When you've finished printing, simply wash your tools and lino block under warm water and allow everything to dry thoroughly before storing them.
Your block is now ready for your next printmaking session.
Do I need a printing press to make a lino print?
No. This tutorial uses hand-printing techniques, so you can achieve great results with a burnishing stone, baren or even the back of a wooden spoon.
What's the difference between lino and soft carving blocks?
Traditional lino holds finer detail and is often preferred by experienced printmakers. Soft carving blocks are easier to cut and are an excellent choice for beginners or for printing onto fabric.
What paper is best for lino printing?
Lightweight printmaking papers are designed to pick up ink beautifully, but you can also experiment with cartridge paper, handmade papers or cards to create different effects.
How many prints can I make from one lino block?
A well-carved lino block can produce dozens, even hundreds, of prints if it's properly cleaned and cared for between printing sessions.
Can I use the same lino block to print on fabric?
Traditional lino can be challenging to print onto fabric, as it doesn't conform to the fabric's texture as easily as a soft carving block. In our companion tutorial, Max Black shows why she prefers Easy Cut lino for fabric printing and how it can help you achieve crisp, even prints on tote bags, tea towels and more.
Where to Go From Here
Now you've learned how to make a lino print, why not take your new carving a step further?
The beauty of lino printing is that one block can be used again and again on a variety of surfaces. Once you're comfortable printing on paper, try experimenting with greetings cards, gift wrap, notebooks or handmade stationery—or move on to fabric printing for a completely different finish.
Continue Your Printmaking Journey
Ready for the next step? Learn how to use your lino block to create custom tote bags, tea towels and other fabric projects with Max Black's companion tutorial.
Lino printing is a rewarding printmaking technique that combines simple tools with endless creative possibilities. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, Max Black has shown you how to make a lino print, from transferring your design and carving your block to inking, printing and experimenting with colour.
Whether you're creating your first handmade print or building confidence with relief printmaking, the skills you've learned here can be applied to countless future projects. Once you're ready for the next step, explore our companion guide to How to Print on Fabric with Lino and discover how the same carved block can be used to create custom tote bags, tea towels and more.
Max Black is a Vancouver-based printmaker, educator and Creative Ambassador for Pébéo. Passionate about making printmaking approachable for everyone, she teaches workshops across Canada and shares beginner-friendly techniques that help artists build confidence through hands-on making. Whether she's carving lino, printing on fabric or experimenting with mixed media, Max believes creativity should be accessible, playful and shared with others.
Explore more of Max's work and workshops at maxkblack.com.