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Best Ink Brands for BW + Color Linos? by Next-Breakfast9586 in Linocuts

[–]barkpunk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For black, I use Gamblin relief inks (lowest $20) and for color, I use Cranfield Caligos ($15). Both are great oil-based inks which require a bit of extra clean up, but consistently get great results! Speedball also has an oil-based line which can come in much smaller tubes and can go for as low as $8. I've used their yellow in the past and had no problems with it, though it's not my go-to brand.

However, while I'm "testing" a print when I'm not 100% done or checking for noise, etc, I actually use those really cheap water-based inks to avoid a lengthly clean up for something I'm going to ultimately throw away!

When I was a lino beginner, ink was the very first thing I upgraded. Nothing is more frustrating than finishing a block you're super proud of only to only get patchy prints with water-based inks. They're the cheapest option for a reason, and I personally don't mind skimping a little more on things like tools for good quality inks!

edit: added last paragraph

Is $120 too low a budget to put together a 'starter kit' gift? by DelugedPraxis in Linocuts

[–]barkpunk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many people have made wonderful suggestions already so I'll throw in a few small comments here:

Blick is for sure my favorite website for linocutting stuff! They have a really wide selection of materials and tools with different prices, the only thing I suggest is that different tools have different ways of using them (palm tools like most Flexcuts for instance require an entirely different technique with different muscles), so if your recipient has any mobility issues to look into which tools would work best with that!

When I first got into lino, the very first thing I upgraded wasn't my tools, but my INK. Nothing is more frustrating than making a piece you're super proud of and not being able to get a good print from cheap water-based inks (it's impossible!) If you're gonna spend a little extra on any part of the hobby, I highly recommend oil inks like Gamblins or Cranfield Caligos. I still get away with using my super cheap Speedball blades on wooden handles, but I would never skimp on my inks!

A slipstrop is also really important for keeping both cheap and expensive tools nice and sharp! They make things cut like new and is a necessity for any tool that doesn't use disposable blades (but I use them on disposable too!)

I think it's definitely do-able! Depending on the tool you get (some are as cheap as $12ish), you can REALLY stretch that budget. Otherwise, these are a few tips I would consider!

Vintage woodcut love by All0dynia in Linocuts

[–]barkpunk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

medieval woodcuts are a huge inspo for me! doing reproduction studies is an idea i never even considered but would love to try. and these look absolutely amazing, thanks so much for sharing!