Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

The stack of 12x12" unmounted sheets was so arched with a permanent curve that I found it impossible to use. Even pressed under heavy weight for weeks, or warmed with a hair dryer, the arch persisted. In addition, the plastic used to wrap the stack left adhesive stuck to one sheet that I could not remove..

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

I use this project for my more advanced level middle schoolers and it would be great for high school students. It is harder to cut so it would not work for beginner students.

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

Good: Consistent carving. Perfect amount of resistance to cutting tool.
Not so good: Curls up even after warming and flattening

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

This is good standard linoleum. It is generally fairly "fresh", with minimal scratches, etc. However, if you buy the roll, be aware that both edges will be cracked on the entire role-- I had to cut away about 1/4" on each side in order to get rid of the crackly part. The cracks will show up on your prints if you don't cut away the edges.
Other than that, it's good stuff. I will probably just purchase the pre-cut ones next time, as they do not have this problem. I always wipe the surface with a little rubbing alcohol before transferring my image.

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

As of this review (2017), Dick Blick has maintained a relatively fresh stock of linoleum for the past 8 years. By fresh, I mean that the linoleum was recently manufactured and retains flexibility, a quality inherent to its function in relief printmaking. However, the company (Blick or otherwise) that cuts it down from the roll doesn't ensure that the pieces are square (90 degree angles). The linoleum is also roughly cut -- which means, that in most cases, I need to cut the linoleum edges to 90 angles so it doesn't look trapezoidal when framed and to avoid chipped edges in the printing process. So, plan on losing 1/2 inch on each side.

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

I'm very happy with the products and service and value as always !

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

Thin pieces of lino which have a grey surface and cut away easily (especially when slightly warmed). I liked the various sizes available and that each piece can be cut to a different size if desired.

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

Use it for linocut prints and it works great!

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

I use the mounted blocks. They often vary 1/4" from the stated size, but not consistently, which does cause technical problems if i forget to measure and compensate all blocks for a specific multi print project.

A nice thing: contrary to the description to use them within one year, ithey are fine years later if somewhat warm, say with a clamp lamp with 100w bulb aimed close at the lino while working.

Comments about Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum:

I ordered a package of 6 and 3 were unusable! One had a terrible gouge in it and two others were so destroyed by tape as to render them useless.