Block Printing vs Linocut: What's the Difference?

If you’ve been exploring block printing (maybe you read my overview post on What is Block Printing?), you’ve probably come across the term linocut and wondered what the difference is.

The short answer is linocut is a type of block printing. Think of block printing as the umbrella term, while linocut sits underneath that. Folks will sometimes use the terms interchangeably, but linocut actually is a form of block printing.

Block Printing vs. Linocut

Block printing is the overall process of carving a design into a surface, inking it, and pressing it onto paper or fabric.

Linocut is just one version of that process, where the surface you’re carving is linoleum. And yes, it's the same stuff you would see in flooring. You could also use rubber or wood to carve into.

How They Feel and Look

The biggest difference shows up in both the carving and the final result.

Rubber is soft and easier to carve into, making it great for beginners to learn with. Your tools glide through it with less pressure. The prints themselves tend to have a slightly softer, more textured feel.

Linoleum is firmer and requires more pressure. You have to slow down and be more intentional with each cut, but you can achieve more detailed prints with cleaner, sharper lines. There's essentially more control and precision when carving this material. 

Linoleum blocks tend to hold up longer if you’re printing multiple copies, while rubber can wear down faster over time. Also, since linoleum is firmer, this will cause more wear on your tools requiring more frequent sharpening.

So Which One Should You Use?

If you’re just starting out, I recommend trying rubber block printing. It’s easier to carve into and get a feel for the process. If you’re ready for more detail or want a cleaner, more refined look, linocut is a great next step. 

Personally, I prefer using rubber. If you're familiar with my work, I describe my style as messy and imperfect so I'm not looking for clean, crisp lines. I enjoy seeing the textured imperfections come through in my printing. 

Neither is better or worse, it's a matter of preference really. Part of the fun is experimenting with different tools and materials and discovering which one fits your style.

If you’re experimenting with both, I’d love to hear what you notice in the comments below. And if you want more tips and dives, join my newsletter to stay in the loop on future posts and other goodies like workshops, events, new prints, and more.

A stack of rubber blocks I like to use.