Block Printing Tools

Block Printing Tools

Choose a mounted, unmounted or soft carving block

Compare the surface, usable area and how you will support it while carving and printing.

Start from the area of the print

Measure the image plus the border you want to keep around it. Compare those dimensions with the usable block face and the width of the roller you already have.

Choose a mounting format that fits your setup

A mounted block includes a backing that adds thickness. An unmounted sheet can give you a lower profile. Check the finished height if your bench stop or press has limited clearance, and check the actual material before deciding how to carve it.

Try the material before committing to a design

Compare a sample cut on the same material if you need fine details or broad cleared areas. Check whether a listing describes traditional lino, a softer carving sheet or a rubber block. Similar colors do not establish the material.

Source documentation

Guide questions

Is a pink rubber block the same as mounted lino?

Read the stated material and construction. A rubber carving block and a backed lino block offer different surfaces and total thicknesses.

What dimensions should I write down before shopping?

Record the printed image, any margins, the block footprint and the height if you use a jig or multiple blocks.

How do I plan two blocks for separate colors?

Choose a repeatable stop for both blocks and a separate stop for the paper. Check face height and alignment with an early proof.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. The smaller gray lino sheet suits a compact design and stop. Choose the larger sheet when the actual image and margins need the extra area.

    Unmounted gray linoleum block, 5 × 7 inches ↗Red Baron unmounted gray lino, 8 × 10 inches ↗

  2. Both are soft pink carving stock. Use 4 × 6 inches for a single small motif or the 11¾-inch square for a broad composition.

    Speedy-Carve pink block, 4 × 6 inches ↗Speedy-Carve pink block, 11¾-inch square ↗

  3. Both faces measure 5 × 7 inches. Choose the Richeson mount for a built-in backing and check the resulting face height at the stop.

    Unmounted gray linoleum block, 5 × 7 inches ↗Easy-to-Cut mounted lino, 5 × 7 inches ↗

  4. Choose the rectangular block if your image fits within nine inches on the short axis. The square adds working area on that side.

    Speedy-Carve pink block, 11¾-inch square ↗Speedy-Carve pink block, 9 × 11¾ inches ↗

  5. Choose the mounted nine-by-twelve block if you need backing. The same-size loose sheet suits a lower jig with its own flat support.

    Easy-to-Cut mounted lino, 9 × 12 inches ↗Easy-to-Cut unmounted lino, 9 × 12 inches ↗

  6. Both have a twelve-inch short side. Choose the longer sheet if the image needs more than twelve inches on the other axis.

    Easy-to-Cut unmounted lino, 12-inch square ↗Easy-to-Cut unmounted lino, 12 × 18 inches ↗

  7. Choose the three-by-four pack for small motifs or the four-by-six pack for longer designs and larger handling margins.

    Speedy-Carve blocks, six 3 × 4-inch sheets ↗Speedy-Carve blocks, six 4 × 6-inch sheets ↗

  8. Choose the two-inch squares for independent small motifs. The four-by-six pack allows longer lettering or a card image.

    Square TPR carving blocks, ten 2-inch blocks ↗Pink rubber blocks, fifteen 4 × 6-inch sheets at 8 mm ↗

Accessories in this guide

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