I have tried many different linoleums for linocut printmaking. Whenever I see a new kind to experiment with, I like to try it out. I find if to be fun to try out new materials and see how they perform with hand printing and in the press. Here is my list for Linoleum for Linocut Printmaking a Comparison for Artists.
I will rate my findings of each Linocut from 1 – 10.
The highest rating being 10 and 1 being the lowest rating.
| Linoleum Type | Durable in Press | Easily Transferable Surface | Line Detail | Carving Ease |
| Jack Richeson – Easy to cut | 10 | 2 | 10 | 5 |
| Battleship Gray Linoleum | 10 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Golden-Cut Linoleum | 10 | 10 | 10 | 2 |
| Speedball Speedy Carve Block | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Speedball Speedy cut Easy Blocks | 4 | 6 | 3 | 10 |
| Blick Ready Cut | 3 | 6 | 6 | 10 |
Despite the ratings I just made in the table, I will list the Linoleum in order of my favorites. This rating will be in contrast to the rating on the table, in that number 1 will be my absolute favorite.
Linoleum for Linocut Comparison List
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6. Speedball Speedy cut Easy Blocks
Description
This kind of linoleum has an eraser like quality to it and is meant to be very easy to cut for those who are beginning in their linocut journey.
Durable in Press
I have hand printed with these as well as ran through my press. It tends to be a bit spongy and good for the press if the pressure is not too much.
Easily Transferable Surface
This surface takes a graphite transfer well. (If you would like to know more about transferring, please take a look here).
Line Detail
The lines carved in this material tend to be less detailed than other brands of linoleum. I found that very basic shapes can be carved easily out of this linoleum, but the texture is crumbly. I was worried while carving if It would crumble away at lines I did not want to carve.
Carving Ease
They call it a Speedy cut Easy Block for a reason. It is very easy to carve through this surface with barely any pressure.
This Image was Printed with Speedball Speedy Cut
5. Blick Ready Cut
Description
This kind of linoleum is meant to not only be easy to carve, but to aid in seeing how your finished print might look while carving.
Durable in Press
I rated this very low, the reason for this is when placed in a printing press, the lines and shape of the lino alter significantly. If you keep the block the same shape as it comes, the pressure warps the edges and the lines carved into the lino can fold. Handprinting without too much pressure is okay.
Easily Transferable Surface
I originally purchased this linoleum because it transfers better. It does not disappoint. It transfers any graphite image well.
Line Detail
As I said in the press section, the details of the line are fine, however, the pressure warps the lines.
Carving Ease
This product is very easy to carve into.
(Note: Do not place this product next to any warm window. The linoleum will melt and ruin any carving you have)
“Nieto” Was Printed Using Blick Ready Cut
4. Speedball Speedy Carve Block
Description
This product also has an eraser like quality and is designed to be easy at transferring and carving.
Durable in Press
This product is a bit malleable and will warp slightly in the press with too much pressure. Handprinting is great.
Easily Transferable Surface
This product takes graphite or carbon transfer well.
Line Detail
The line detail is good. It differs from the Speedball Speedy Cut in that when you carve into the surface, it does not crumble at all.
Carving Ease
I like how this product works, It has all of the things a linoleum should have. My only complaint is the price. It is kind of expensive compared to the alternatives.
This Cactus Tree was Carved with the Speedball Speedy Carve Block
3. Golden-Cut Linoleum
Description
This product is meant to be an easier to carve version of Battleship Gray Linoleum. It is made with similar materials as the Battleship Gray such as linseed oil, wood ash, and burlap backing.
Durable in Press
This is very durable and excellent in a press or for handprinting.
Easily Transferable Surface
Great acceptance of carbon transfer or graphite.
Line Detail
Line detail is excellent.
Carving Ease
I do not think that the ease of carving was easier as this product claims. I felt that it was actually harder to carve into than Battleship Gray Linoleum.
2. Battleship Gray Linoleum
Description
Imported from Europe, this product is traditional linoleum with the burlap backing.
Durable in Press
Excellent with any pressure. Great for hand printing or in the press.
Easily Transferable Surface
Excellent for transferring. Any carbon paper, graphite, or other types of transfer work very well.
Line Detail
Excellent line details when carved. They maintain their shape during printing as well.
Carving Ease
Depending on the age of the linoleum or the warmth in the room, this linoleum is a bit hard to carve into, but with very sharp tools, is not too bad.
(Note: I frequently use this lino above all others because of the transfer and printing aspects as well as its value. It is the most cost effective and a more natural product.)
This Image was Printed Using Battleship Gray Linoleum
1.Jack Richeson – Easy to cut
Description
This linoleum is meant to be softer to cut into, and excellent in the press. It is made specifically to be able to withstand time as well as pressure. It also is two sided and can be carved at both sides.
Durable in Press
It is very durable in the press and excellent with hand printing as well. Excellent and will not warp.
Easily Transferable Surface
Not really, I started experimenting with other linoleum after feeling frustrated with images not transferring. However, after a long period of experimentation, if you sand the surface a bit, a carbon transfer will take very well.
Line Detail
Excellent line details when carved. Great under pressure.
Carving Ease
I would say that it is not the easiest to carve into as the other products I reviewed, however, it is pretty easy to carve into.
This Image was Printed Using Jack Richeson’s Linoleum
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