Printmaking products
This blog post covers questions I am frequently asked via social media channels, about which linoprint products I recommend, and where I purchase them from. I will link to specific blogs and videos guides I have created if you want to learn more about these products.
Caveats: Please note I do not list prices of products, as I normally shop around and look for deals online myself before purchasing, and costs can change over time. I am not sponsored by or affiliated to any companies or brands in this blog, I purchase the products due to personal preference.
1. Lino
My favourite lino to use is Japanese Relief Printmaking Vinyl, I have a full blog and video review, demonstrating how to carve and print with it. The lino is blue on one side, green on the other and is approximately 3mm thick. When you carve away the surface it reveals a grey centre. I purchase this printmaking surface from various suppliers in the UK, both online and in person, however they do also ship internationally.
My personal shop preferences are Handprinted, based in Bognor Regis (UK) but I purchase their products online from their website, and Intaglio Printmakers in London (UK). If you can visit Intaglio Printmakers in person it is a lovely shop with knowledgeable staff, however I also purchase items from them online.
You can search online for Japanese Relief Printmaking Vinyl, and it should come straight up in most search engines. There are a number of other reliable art suppliers online who sell the product.
2. Ink
I normally use two different printmaking inks, however I do not mix these two brands together.
The first is Schmincke linoprinting ink which is water-based, I purchase tubes in various sizes and have a full blog post which reviews these products in detail. I have purchased these inks from many different suppliers, both online and in person. My go-to stores are Handprinted (UK), Intaglio Printmakers (London, UK), and L.Cornelissen & Son, a gorgeous old-fashioned art store in the heart of London, established in the mid-1800s, also online.
The second brand is Caligo Safewash relief printmaking ink, which is oil based, but can be cleaned up with soap and water. I purchase tubes rather than tins of the ink, as I find they store better for longer in my studio, from various stores including Handprinted and Cass Art (which has various stores around the UK, and is available online).
3. Paper
For most of my projects I use 300gsm Somerset Satin paper from St Cuthburt's Mill, Somerset UK. The paper is made from cotton, is acid free and archival. I buy these in large sheets and cut them down to size. I normally purchase my paper from L.Cornelissen & Son and Handprinted. Please note this paper is quite expensive compared to other printmaking paper options, but I find the cost is worth it for the thickness of paper and quality of the surface.
4. Carving tools
I use Pfeil carving tools, which I have created a blog post about, and most of my videos demonstrate me using them. I purchased set C from Pfeil to start with, and have bought some additional tools to accompany them, of varying sizes and shapes. My favourite tool is the small v shaped gouge numbered 12/1, which has a small sharp point, to carve narrow, deep details. The tools are fairly expensive, however cost per use makes them worth it, and they will last for years, as I can sharpen them using my Flexcut Slipstrop and gold compound which is not expensive to purchase. I bought my set from L.Cornelissen & Son a few years ago, however they may be sold cheaper elsewhere so it is worth searching online for a good deal.
6. Printing Press
I purchased my printing press from the Portable Printing Press Company, and I have created a full blog post reviewing my press. I purchased the press online, after doing a comprehensive search of alternative printing presses, comparing cost, weight, size of roller, portability, ease of use, and whether I could fix any problems over time. This was by far the best option that I found. It was shipped from overseas to the UK, and there were no issues with delivery for me. Having used the press for a few years I am still very happy with it. I found the press to be far cheaper than alternatives on the market, and as of 2021, the price does not seem to have noticeably gone up, so I still consider it a bargain.