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Choosing the right paper for a linocut print can drastically affect the final outcome of your project. Various factors like weight, texture, and paper composition can impact both the printing process and the finished product. This guide will help you understand what to consider when selecting paper for linocut prints.

1. Consider Paper Weight: Weight refers to the thickness and sturdiness of the paper. A heavier paper is recommended for linocut printing as it will withstand the pressure applied during the printing process without tearing or ripping. Consider using a paper that is at least 200gsm (grams per square meter) or heavier. Good examples are Somerset Satin, Zerkall Printmaking Paper, or Fabriano Rosaspina.

2. Consider Paper Texture: The texture of the paper can affect the appearance of your prints. Linocut printing typically utilizes relief printing techniques, where ink is applied to the surface of the lino and then transferred to the paper. A paper with a slight texture (also called “tooth”) will pick up the ink in a different way than a completely smooth surface, often resulting in a more authentic and interesting look to the print. Try using a lightly textured paper like Hahnemühle Etching Paper or Rives BFK.

3. Consider Paper Composition: The composition of the paper, which refers to the materials it’s made from, is another important aspect. For linocut prints, look for 100% cotton rag papers. These papers are made from cotton fibers, which provide strength and durability. They are also highly absorbent, meaning they will soak up the block printing ink efficiently.

4. Consider Paper Absorbency: Not to be confused with paper weight, ‘absorbency’ refers to how much ink the paper can hold. High absorbency papers are often softer and soak up more ink, leading to rich, dense color on your prints. Check for printmaking papers with good ink absorbency, like Arches 88.

5. Consider Paper Color: The color of your paper will directly affect the color of your ink. For example, a darker colored paper can dull down the vibrant nature of your ink color, while a lighter paper can lend to a more vibrant and striking result. Therefore, it is crucial to experiment with paper colors in relation to your choice of linocut ink.

6. Consider the “Wet or Dry” Paper Approach: Some printmakers prefer to ‘dampen’ their paper before the printing process. They believe that using slightly wet paper allows for a better transfer of ink from the lino block to the paper. However, too much water can cause the paper fibers to expand and result in a blurry print. It is, therefore, necessary to consider the water paper approach carefully.

7. Consider Oil or Water Based Inks: The type of ink you’re using can also influence your choice of paper. Oil-based inks typically require a slightly more robust, less absorbent paper than water-based inks, due to the longer drying times and more viscous consistency of the former.

8. Consider Greens and Environmentally Friendly Papers: For those interested in sustainable practices, selecting ecological papers is a consideration. These papers can be made from a variety of sources, including bamboo, recycled materials, or sustainably harvested wood. Just make sure that the environmental paper you choose still meets all your other criteria in terms of weight, absorbency, color, and texture for your linocut prints.

9. Testing Different Papers: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in the world of printmaking, and sometimes the best way to find your best match is through testing different paper types. Always do a small-scale test run using various paper types before committing to a larger print run.

Remember, the goal is to choose a paper that can accommodate your unique style and reflect your artistic intent. Keep these considerations in mind, and you will have a better understanding of what to look for when selecting paper for your linocut prints.