The Best Tools and Materials for Linoprinting: My Essentials

As a linoprint artist and product designer, I’ve spent 17 years experimenting with different designs, layouts, colours, and materials. In the past year, I have been getting back to my roots in printmaking. I have discovered new tools, inks, and papers that truly work and find myself recommending them to customers who come into my shop and open studio, clients who attend my linocut workshops, and friends online (through my Facebook group Linocutting | Carving | Printing | Making | Art) and in person across Kent and London.

The phrase 'a good craftsman doesn’t blame their tools' is entirely incorrect in this case, because I have found that the right tools can have a profound effect on how detailed your pieces can be, the depth of colour, and the crispness of prints. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your process, having the right equipment makes all the difference.

I find that the most important materials and tools are as follows: the carving tool, the ink, and the paper—in that order of importance. Here are my top recommendations for linoprinting essentials that I use in my own work.

1. Cutting Tools

The right tools make carving smoother and more enjoyable. My go-to tools include:

• Pfeil Swiss-made carving tools – These are my absolute favourite for their precision and durability.

• FlexCut Lino cutting tools – Designed for palm pressure, they allow for smoother movement across the lino with a flattened blade, preventing painful pressure on the leading finger over time.

• ABIG Lino Cutters – These are the tools I include in my printmaking kits. They are similar to Essdee’s red-handled tools but offer better quality, are sharper, and are still inexpensive—perfect for beginners.

• Japanese Woodblock Sets – Available from Handprinted Kent, Lawrence Art Supplies, and similar retailers, these sharp, inexpensive tools are a great addition to any linocut enthusiast's kit.

2. Inks

Ink choice can completely transform your print. I recommend:

• Cranfield Oil Inks – Oil-based but easy to clean with soap and water, providing rich, smooth prints.

• Speedball Professional Relief Ink – A great water-based option that behaves like an oil-based ink but offers much easier cleanup, with vibrant pigments and good drying time.

3. Papers

Paper selection is crucial for achieving the best results. My favourites include:

• Kent Paper Pad – I like to keep it local. Based in Folkestone, Kent, UK, I use Handprinted’s 190gsm wood-free, acid-free, off-white semi-smooth printmaking paper. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for linocut printing.

• HOSHO Japanese Papers – Handmade and lightweight, perfect for delicate prints.

• Snowdon Printing Paper – A great option for those looking for professional-quality prints.

4. Linoleum Blocks

Not all linoleum is created equal! I prefer using soft-cut linoleum for intricate designs, as it’s easier to carve and produces crisp lines. For those who like a more traditional feel, battleship grey linoleum offers excellent durability and holds fine details beautifully. Just be mindful of carving fatigue—when working on large pieces, I recommend carving for no more than four hours a day to avoid what I like to call carving claw!

5. Printing Presses and Barrens

• Trusty spoon – I often use a teaspoon to press into detailed areas when transferring prints, though many recommend wooden spoons. Take care when using a spoon to avoid buckling the paper, creating creases, or even tearing it. I love using one because I always have one handy—especially after carving my way through the day, powered by countless cups of tea!
  
  
• Bamboo baren – These inexpensive printing barrens help create even pressure for consistent prints. I find they work especially well with lightweight papers, such as HOSHO printmaking paper.
  
  
• Glass baren – Handmade in the UK, this beautifully crafted tool provides smooth, controlled pressure and glides effortlessly across the paper, making printing so much easier. The mix of clear and purple checkered glass makes it a stunning desktop object, and seeing the light shine through it at different times of the day brings me so much joy.
  
• Pookie Press – A great option for printmakers looking for a compact press. I bought an A3 Pookie Press a few years ago, allowing me to print up to A4 blocks on A3 paper. I’m still refining my technique and adjusting the settings, but I’d definitely recommend it—perhaps as a big birthday request!
  
  
• Albion A1 Printing Press (from the 1800s) – If you ever get the chance to use a pull-and-press Albion, you’ll find yourself in printmaking heaven! This stunning antique press delivers exceptional results and is perfect for printing extra-large linoprints.

Final Thoughts

Investing in quality tools and materials can make a huge difference in your linoprinting experience. The right supplies will not only improve your prints but also make the process more enjoyable and rewarding. I love sharing my favourite finds, and I hope this guide helps you in your own printmaking journey! 

What are your favourite linoprinting tools? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram @Fabia.H.Goff!