Getting started with printmaking can be overwhelming. This list contains everything that you might need to get started, but you by no means need everything here! Get creative! No pressing tool? Use a spoon (I do!). Can't afford blocks? Styrofoam make...
Sections
3
Blocks
Tools
Ink
Blocks
I prefer unmounted lino, this is a bit harder to carve than rubber, but you can get fine details and the block will last longer
Battleship Gray Linoleum - Pkg of 12, 5" x 7", Unmounted
Perfect for beginners or those who want quicker carving! I love these for mini prints or when I plan on cutting up a print into smaller blocks
Speedball Speedy Carve Blocks
Tools
A solid, no nonsense, baren - you can also use a spoon (I use both), but this covers more surface area for even ink distribution
Economy Baren - 3-3/4"
Don't want your block slipping while carving? This is my go-to!
Black Linoleum Grip - Single Grip, 7.5" x 10.25"
What I currently use for both inking and carving! It hooks right onto whatever surface you are working on so nothing slips away from you.
Speedball Bench Hook/Inking Plate - 7-3/8"W x 9-3/8"L x 1-1/8"H
Waterproof pens - they write perfectly on both lino and rubber without rubbing off! Essential for outlining designs
Pigma® Micron™ Fine Line Black 3 Piece Pen Set
Incredibly helpful for getting designs from your sketchbook to your block! Just trace your design in pencil, flip the tracing paper onto the block and scratch!
Tracing Pad by Artist's Loft
My first brayer that I still use to this day!
Speedball® Deluxe Soft Rubber Brayer
A handy paper trimmer! Cutting with scissors is time consuming and never ends up perfect. This has changeable blades so it always makes a clean cut
Signature Paper Trimmer By Recollections™
Perfect beginner lino cutting tool with interchangeable blades! I still use this one all the time
Speedball® Lino Cutter Assortment No.1
Ink
I only use this for fabric now! No heat set, just air dry. You can also use this for paper! Great for beginners, and super easy clean up.
Speedball Fabric and Paper Block Printing Ink - Black, 5 oz
The only type of ink I use for paper printing! This is oil based and goes on much smoother than water based ink. I prefer the tubes of this ink (the tubs can dry out quickly!)
Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink - Black, 150 ml
You can only use this with rubber blocks, but it works very well!
