Is Making Your Own Linocut Prints Worth the Cost?
Linocut printmaking is one of the most satisfying — and surprisingly affordable — relief printing crafts you can pick up. A basic starter kit costs between $40 and $60, and once your tools are paid off, each subsequent block edition costs very little to produce. That economics makes linocut a strong candidate for art market selling or a profitable Etsy shop.
What Goes Into the Cost of a Linocut Print
- Linoleum block — a single battleship grey or soft-cut block (roughly 6x8 inches) runs $6–$15. One block can produce dozens of prints and blocks can be re-carved on the back side.
- Carving tools — a starter set with V-gouges and U-gouges costs $12–$25 and lasts years with occasional sharpening. Spread this cost across all your future projects.
- Printing ink — water-based block printing ink like Speedball ($8–$14 per tube) goes a long way. A single 2.5 oz tube easily covers 30–50 prints.
- Brayer and baren — a rubber brayer ($6–$14) and optional baren for burnishing are one-time purchases reused indefinitely.
- Paper — quality matters here. A pack of 50 sheets of 90–140 lb printmaking paper costs $10–$20. Better paper elevates finished prints significantly.
Pricing Your Linocut Prints for Selling
A common artist pricing formula is materials x 3 as a floor — this covers materials, a contribution toward time, and a cushion for wastage. For Etsy, also factor in the platform listing fee ($0.20/item) plus a 6.5% transaction fee. A print with $1.50 in materials can realistically sell for $16–$22 and feel like great value to a buyer while still giving you meaningful margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many prints can I get from one linoleum block?
A well-maintained linoleum block can produce 50–150+ prints before the relief edges begin to degrade. Most printmakers number their editions at 20–50 prints and then officially retire the block.
Does the type of paper affect the cost significantly?
Yes — paper is often the biggest variable in per-print cost. Basic 80 lb cardstock can cost under $0.05 per sheet, while quality Japanese tissue or heavyweight cotton rag printmaking paper can run $0.50–$2.00 per sheet. For prints you plan to sell, invest in at least 90 lb, acid-free paper.
Can I use oil-based ink instead of water-based?
Yes. Oil-based inks like Caligo Safe Wash give richer, more archival results. They cost a little more ($12–$20 per tube) and require mineral spirits or specialized cleaners to wash up. Water-based inks are easier for beginners and still produce excellent results for art market selling.
What is a reasonable edition size for selling at art markets?
For art markets, a practical edition is 20–50 prints. Number each print (e.g., "7/30") and sign them — buyers at art markets respond positively to numbered limited editions.
How does linocut compare to screen printing for cost per print?
Linocut has a lower entry cost — you need no screen, emulsion, or exposure unit. Screen printing becomes cheaper per print at very high volumes (100+) but requires significant upfront investment ($150–$400+). For small-edition fine art prints, linocut is almost always the more cost-effective choice.