Tools & Materials
For more background information on the tools and materials I use, please see "Vol. 1: Tools and Materials" available for free from the Downloadable Guides page of this site. Some of the links on this site are part of an affiliate program. If you use them, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
A couple of kits that contain the basic tools needed to get a feel for the process.
Includes the vinyl linocut material I use and alternative mounting plate materials.
Includes the hand drill I use to make dot halftone linocuts.
The ink and paper that I use.
Inking slab, brayer, baren and more.
Apron, acetone pumps, rags and more
Beginner Kits
I've included a couple of kits that contain the basic tools needed to get a feel for the process without a large investment. I haven't used these kits myself, so my recommendations are based on the information provided in the product listings.
Deluxe Beginner Kit
Bobblebro Linocut Kit for Printmaking, Stamp Making Kit with 4 Color Ink
Includes carving tools, rubber blocks, brayer, multiple colors of ink and more.
Basic Beginner Kit
Linocut Kit for Printmaking & Stamp Making: Block Printing Tools Supplies
Includes carving tools, rubber blocks, brayer, ink, and printmaking papers.
The Block
I make my linocut blocks with a sheet of vinyl material glued to a mounting block that I 3D print. For more information on how I make my linocut blocks, see "Vol. 2: How I Make My Block" available for free from the Downloadable Guides section of this site.
Spray Adhesive
3M Hi-Strength Spray Adhesive 90, Permanent, Clear Glue, Net Wt 17.6 oz Can
This is what I use to attach the linocut material to the mounting plate. Carefully read and follow all safety instructions.
Basswood
Vinyl Linocut Material
Yeaqee 8 Pcs 12 x 12 Inch Linoleum Block Rubber Carving Block Soft Linocut Blocks Large
This is the vinyl linocut material required for the acetone and laser print image transfer method. Each sheet makes four 6"x6" linocut blocks.
5Pack Balsa Wood Sheets Basswood Craft Plywood 12"x12"x1/16
If I didn't use a 3D printer to make my mounting plates, this is the material I would use. Each sheet makes four 6"x6" linocut blocks.
Carving Tools
"U" Gouges
Flexcut Carving Tools
The largest size is especially useful for carving out large sections.
Detail "U" Gouge
Hamono Honpo Power Grip carving knife, Alloy Steel & Iron Blade, 1.5MM Round, Wood Handle
A small "U" gouge useful for detailed carving.
"V" Gouges
WILLBOND 5 Pcs Linoleum Carving Tool Set Wood Handle Linocut,Classic
A simple, sturdy set of "V" gouges in a good range of sizes.
Sharpening Block
Flexcut Wood Carving Tools | Flexcut SlipStrop | Polish and Debur Cutting and Carving Tools For Razor Sharp Blade Edges | Includes Polishing Compound | PW12 | Made in the U.S.A.
A wood and leather carving block useful for sharpening a range of carving tools. Includes polishing compound.
Hand Drill
Mudder 57 Pcs Micro Drill Bits & Pin Vise Set 0.1-3mm, Black
This is the tool I use to make dot pattern halftone linocuts. Includes and assortment of drill bits.
Ink & Paper
Everyday Paper
100% Cotton, Gnatural 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20lb/80GSM,with Red & Blue Fiber, Waterproof for Inkjet and Laser Printing Paper - 120 Sheets Starch Free
Tough, light, and smooth. This paper is about the same weight as regular printer paper, but not as stiff. I like the small red and blue fibers throughout the paper, but plain options are available if you prefer.
Heavier Paper
Southworth® 100% Cotton Résumé Paper, 8 1/2" x 11", 32 Lb, 100% Recycled, White, Pack of 100
A stiffer, heavier paper. I use it for hand tinted linocuts.
Ink
Speedball Professional Relief Ink Supergraphic Black 8OZ
Oil based ink that cleans up with water. Available in a range of colors.
Printing Tools
Drying Rack
mocomax Art Drying Rack for Painting, Metal Paint Drying Stand, Movable Paint Drying Rack with Lockable Wheels, Art Canvas Storage Rack for Classrooms & Art Studios, 40 Removable Shelves, Black
A small, portable drying rack.
Brayer
Wenses Glass Baren, 4 Inch Printmaking Tool for Block & Linocut Printing
Heavy, smooth, and comfortable.
Inking Slab
Nuanchu 1 Pcs Glass Paint Muller 12 x 12 x 0.3 Inch Tempered Frosted Slab
Made for grinding handmade paints, this heavy glass slab is perfect for rolling out an even layer of ink.
Glass Baren
Speedball Art Products Company 004117 004117 Soft Rubber Brayer
The roller of this soft rubber brayer pops out for easy cleaning.
Other Tools
Plastic Scrapers (2)
6 PCS Plastic Putty Knife, 2 Inch Black Flexible Putty Knife Scraper, Used for Repairing Walls, Pasting Plaster, Scraping Putty Plastic Putty Knife Scraper
These are what I use to scoop and mix ink.
Microfiber Rags (3)
TEAWOO Microfiber Cleaning Cloths-50 Pack, Microfiber Towels Bulk
Basic microfiber rags. Lint free and stand up to repeated cleaning.
Apron (1)
OUNLEN Chef Apron for Men Women Canvas Aprons with 3 Pockets Cross Back Resistant Work Apron for Cooking
A nice, heavy apron.
Hand Cleaner (4)
GOOP Multi-Purpose Hand Cleaner- Waterless Hand Degreaser, Laundry Stain Remover - NonToxic and Biodegradable Cleaner Remove Dirt, Oil, Paint, Ink, and Clothes Stains Original, 14oz Pack of 1
I use this between inking and printing. Cleans ink from my hands without water.
Premium Cutting Mat
Dahle Vantage 10682 See-Through Premium Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 18"x24", 1/2" Grid, 5 Layers for Max Healing, Perfect for Crafts & Sewing, Clear
I chose this cutting mat mostly because it's translucent and fits the aesthetic of my studio.
Economical Cutting Mat
Fiskars 18" x 24" Self Healing Cutting Mat for Quilting & Sewing, Gray
A more economical choice. I haven't used it myself, but this would be the one I would buy if I were looking for a new mat.
Baking Mat (non-slip)
Miu France Baking Mat (Green)
This is what I use as a non-slip surface while carving a block. Keeps things from sliding around without being sticky.
Acetone Pump Dispenser (plastic)
Push Down Pump Dispenser, 3.4oz Clear Pump Bottles with Alcohol, Acetone, Nail Polish Remover, Makeup Remover, Toner Stickers Empty Push Top Container for Liquid (100ml-2Pack)
I haven't used these, but if I were looking for plastic pump bottles for acetone (used in the image transfer process) I would try these.
Acetone Pump Dispenser (glass)
6Oz / 180ml Glass Push Down Pump Dispenser with Copper Core, Clear Design
If I were looking for a more durable acetone pump dispenser this is one I would try.
Laser Printer
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
The printer I use isn't available anymore - this is a close replacement. Makes the black and white laser images needed for the image transfer process (note - any laser copier or printer will work).
Archival Masking Tape
4 Packs Artist Tape for Watercolor Paper - 0.7IN Wide 592FT Long
This is the tape I use to attach registration tabs to paper. Archival and removes more easily and with less residue than regular masking tape.