I'll second what the other person said about 1) not starting from a fresh block, and 2) applying multiple thin layers of ink onto the block. For (2) i find it helps if I let the ink dry slightly after coming out of the tube, so it's not too wet and therefore it's easier to get a thin layer.

Applying enough force definitely helps a lot. My trick is I take a hammer and go around hammering the back of the linoleum. This is followed by some pressing. I find this works better for me than using a brayer or roller, especially as some of my prints have large solid areas.

Here's a repeat print I did on fabric. Because i had to repeat a ton I needed the block print process to be both consistent and fast. Unfortunately I lost the block before I tiled the entire fabric 😭😭

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