Transferring your image onto Linoleum
There are many different ways to transfer your image or drawing onto linoleum. Some of these transfer techniques are better suited for specific types of linoleum than others.
Over time, I have tried these methods and have found some of them worked better than others. I can write another post in the future about different types of linoleum.
But for now I will lay out some of the methods used in order to transfer the images onto linoleum.
This post contains affiliate links, which generates some small commissions at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep this blog and shop running. Thank you for your support. See my disclosure form for more information.
Transfer Methods
1. Carbon Paper method
This is a simple method of transferring an image, but I have had trouble with the carbon paper not transferring onto a slick linoleum surface. Read about this process here.
2. Graphite rubbing
One of the most budget friendly methods if your just starting out. Just use a softer pencil or a graphite bar on the back of the image and then trace the image. Info on this process.
3. Mod Podge or Acrylic medium
This method is fairly simple but a bit time consuming. You can find out all about it here.
4. Acetone
This can be a very rewarding method. However, it requires a printing press of some sort to get it right. You will need to use diluted acetone on this method and prepare the surface of the linoleum. I have used nail polish remover in combination with an etching press. Find out how here.
You can use an etching press if you would like to purchase one. I own a smaller with a small bed. My husband purchased it for me for a gift a few years ago and he will not divulge where he got it from, so this a similar model (almost identical) to the one I own.
5. Wheat Paste Method
This is a traditional transfer method from Japan and designed originally for woodcut. I have not used this method yet, but I do plan on experimenting in the near future and I will let you know how it goes.
Please bookmark this post as I plan on adding more transfer techniques to this later when I learn more. I will also post in the next several weeks exactly how each of these methods work and what materials are needed. Please subscribe so you don’t miss anything.
Or…
You can also skip these steps all together if you draw directly onto the linoleum. Personally, I have not felt the most comfortable doing this because I try and get the drawing correct a few times before actually transfering.
However, If you are willing to try it please let me know how it goes for you. Feel free to comment below and share your results.
For information on how to flip your image so that it’s ready for transfer I have a Photo Shop tutorial or a light box tutorial.
