Linoleum Block Printing on a Windmill
Trying to print a couple of fairly solid linoleum blocks on uncoated cover. One block is 1 1/2 x5 and the other is 4x5. I am printing them both at the same time. Any suggestions on packing (hard or soft), ink, different paper? In order for them to print decently, they set-off.
Any special considerations for linoleum blocks?
Paul
Use a rider roller which will help with more ink distribution for your linocut. Printing large areas could be problematic. I would suggest a double inking if a single pass doesn’t work. That would mean inking with impression off then engaging for an impression. This also would include when no impression is on to pull the knob to the left so the suckers don’t pick up paper. Its not difficult but it may take you a few tries to get the hang of being ambidextrous. A harder uncoated paper pay work better than using a fibrous paper. I would also use a harder packing.
Casey
Inky Lips Letterpress
What size press are you printing on? Two 4x5 blocks is a lot of surface area and will require considerable pressure. Unlike wood or metal cuts, linoleum will compress some and will need more pressure to print solid. From experience, I would suggest printing one at a time. A cylinder press can escape most of the problems associated with lino blocks.
Keep us updated on your results.
recently someone brought me a ad from a newspaper, it was like a black plastic, about 8x10” they wanted me to proof it on my windmill. like casey says the rider roller helped along with double inking, but there were some solids and reverses on this plate making for lots of makeready, i finally started over and put on a thin rubber blanket in place of the tympan, it worked great with little makeready. Boundstaff is right, one block at a time will make life easier. Good Luck Dick G.