Step by step demonstration of how to create a two color linoleum reduction relief print.

1. Social Issue Relief Print
High School Art

2. Materials
• Linoleum
• Various size permanent markers
• Gouges with various size tips
• Bench Hook
• Printing ink, various colors
• Palette
• Palette Knife
• Brayer
• Registration Guide
• Wooden Spoon
• Printing Paper

3. Step 1: Create at least two designs illustrating social or
environmental issues that are of interest to you.

4. Step 2: Choose your design and draw over your
drawing with a No. 2 pencil.

5. Step 3: Cut out the design.

6. Step 4: Tape the drawing face down on the linoleum.

7. Step 5: Shade over the back to transfer the image, this
will push the graphite of the drawing onto the linoleum.

8. Your Image is now transferred to the linoleum block.
The design will transfer backwards but it will print
forwards.

9. Step 6: Trace over the drawing with a fine point
permanent marker.

10. Step 7: For a reference, apply color to the drawing as
you intend to print it.

11. Step 8: On the linoleum block, color the positive space
one color.

12. Step 9: Color the negative space another color and
begin by cutting a fine outline around the positive
shapes.

13. Step 10: Continue cutting. Because you colored the
linoleum you will get an idea of how your marks will
look when printed.

14. Step 12: Finish cutting the negative space and begin to
cut the positive space. Use various size gouge tips as
needed.

15. Step 13: When you are done cutting the linoleum you
are ready to start printing!

16. Step 14: Mix plenty of ink for at least seven prints.
Save the ink in aluminum foil.

17. Step 15: Using a brayer roll the ink out on the palette
in all directions until you have an even and consistent
layer of ink. The texture of the ink should be slightly
tacky.

18. Step 16: Using the brayer, roll the ink out onto the
linoleum block.

19. Step 17: Align the block onto the center area of the
“Registration Guide”.

20. Step 18: Carefully lay the paper on top of the inked
block over the designated area of the “Registration
Guide”. Be sure to handle the paper with clean hands.

21. Step 19: Rub the back of the paper with a wooden
spoon to transfer the inked image to the paper.

22. Step 20: Lift the paper slightly to see if there are any
areas that need to be rubbed more with the wooden
spoon.

23. Step 21: Pull the print off of the linoleum block.
Repeat steps 17-22 until you have seven prints.

24. Step 22: Wash and dry the linoleum. Use a permanent
marker and color the areas of the linoleum that you
want to remain the color that you just printed. Use a
color that you have not yet used to help you avoid
cutting the wrong areas.

25. Step 23: Carefully cut away the areas of the linoleum
that you just colored.

26. Step 24: Using a brayer roll out your second color of
ink.

27. Step 25: Roll the ink over your block and align it on the
registration guide.

28. Step 26: Rub the paper with a wooden spoon and lift
the print slightly to see if you have adequately
transferred the ink.

29. Step 27: Pull the print.

30. Step 28: Repeat steps 24-27 until you have at least 5
good prints.

31. Step 29: Allow the prints to dry and then number, title and sign the
bottom of each print. The bottom number indicates the total number of
prints in the edition and the top number indicates the print’s number in
the edition.

32. Step 30: Display your prints.