linocut tutorial: how to transfer any drawing to lino

[@mrgreanjeans]

The craftsman is a national treasure.

[@emilunderbjerg]

absolutely!

[@loraPNPE]

So true!

[@alexmuffles7431]

An alternative to the label release paper (because I know that can be difficult to come by) especially for smaller projects is to simply print your design on regular printer paper with a laser printer, put the design upside down onto the lino, and pour a good amount of acetone (nail polish remover) to cover the design. When the acetone dries, you should have a fairly good transfer. This can be a bit hit or miss depending on the particular link you are using, but worth a try if you can't find label release paper!

[@wildboar67]

Thank you so much for this video. I follow a few other printmakers and a surprising many of them don't want to share this 'secret' of the trade- it took me a while to find out this was the method so many were using. Thank you to the video that taught you this, and thank you for passing it along for lino.

[@wildboar67]

I guess when i say 'so many' i only mean 2 or 3 of the makers i follow. Many comments about 'how did you do that' that they never seem to want to answer.

[@emilunderbjerg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ldegraaf]

I've asked around 8 to 10 and either got no answer, or told that they don't share their process. So, you aren't alone here. I've always shared with new artists how I do different things, so that I can save them the trial and error that I went through. I figure if I can save them some time & money then they will have more time and money for fun things. There is plenty of room for all of us to exist, especially since art is so personal for both the artist and patrons. Basically, just because I help someone learn how to use a vinyl cutting machine doesn't mean that they are going to make the same stuff that I make and if they do then it doesn't mean that their customers are only going to buy their stuff. I have 3 pieces of art that are in the same style from 3 different artists because I like that style and each piece on its own.

[@he7ens]

Thanks Emil! The acrylic medium/label release method is brilliant. I’ve just tried it and it’s worked really well first time. Really appreciate you sharing your tips. As others were a have said, many printmakers keep these techniques to themselves. I’m very grateful for you sharing yours!

[@emilunderbjerg]

im glad you found it helpful!

[@susansmith7146]

Wow what an awesome share to other artists! Thank you for taking the time to show your process. Excited to try this next time 🙂

[@Cutest1TheGame]

I ❤ the crafsman! So sweet to hear you credit him!

[@kkrolf2782]

QUESTION / SUGGESTION: For anyone who doesn’t have access to those remnant label sheets, might you want to try using an American product called “Freezer Paper”, made by Reynolds? It’s a plastic coated sheet of paper that comes on a fairly wide roll (18”? 20”?); I use it when I’m gluing up my greeting cards, or using inks; it wipes up pretty effectively, especially from glue r u n n e r s. Some inks stain the thing, but hasn’t made it unusable. Just a suggestion …

[@emilunderbjerg]

hi, i have tried to use freezer paper for this technique, but i couldnt get it to work unfortunately. but to use it as a work surface is clever, i will try that!

[@kcicinelli801]

Thank you for sharing this with us! Great tutorial.

[@randomkitsune89]

Emil, your work is fantastic!! Thank you for sharing!! ❤️❤️🤘

[@emilunderbjerg]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@elizabethasmith4471]

Thank you! Have been struggling with transfer methods.. the label release paper laser jet printing method with acrylic medium works like a charm on Lino. Wow I tried it on mdf board too - works just as well. Thank you for sharing

[@emilunderbjerg]

thats great to hear, im glad it was useful to you!

[@suzilahlah]

This is an amazingly helpful video. Thank you. And your art is breathtaking btw 👏🏼

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@smellyrhinostudio]

Thank you so much, Emil! Using the sticker release paper is genius!

[@sharonbowman9350]

Your work is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks with us. ❤️

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much, I'm glad you like what i do ✨

[@karineder4621]

Thank you for your interesting video. I just wonder - can you suggest any substitute for labor release paper ? Iwould prefer to print a A3 size drawing in one piece.

[@knitspinfelt]

Great video Emil, thanks for sharing! I've been using acrylic gel medium to transfer laser printouts for years but never thought of using the label paper for it. Genius! less mess and so much quicker!

[@emilunderbjerg]

I'm glad you found it useful!

[@Vanillajdicr]

Man, this dude is rad! I love his videos. So thoughtful!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@fruitlessbeast]

Wish I could like this more than once.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@jeanbailey1045]

Thank you! Very helpful. I’m waiting for delivery of a bigger piece of Lino, can’t wait to try your method of transfer at the end of the week!

[@emilunderbjerg]

i am glad you found it helpful, did you get it to work with the big piece of lino?

[@christinemartin3104]

Genius! And your work is stunning.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you so much!

[@ChiaraBenetton]

Thank u so much for this video! It will completely change my lino-designs !!!!! ⛵

[@sendalunar2974]

I started watching to learn about linocut. I kept watching after seeing the Behemoth hoodie !

[@emilunderbjerg]

haha, thank you for watching, i hope you found it useful!

[@theteamage]

Thank you! I have been struggling with transferring the image. I will try this

[@emilunderbjerg]

did it work out?

[@EmilyTappan]

Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for!

[@emilunderbjerg]

glad it was useful!

[@a.r.3742]

Hi! I finished my experiment with the acrylic medium and the photo paper. Success! The photo paper with the image printed from my inkjet printer, along with gloss varnish acrylic medium I was able to transfer the image successfully. I had to soak it for about a half an hour, and then rub the paper off as it became a softer. The modge podge with the image printed on regular computer paper did not work. Actually I'm not totally sure. It did not peel off well, but I did not soak it the way I soaked the photo paper and acrylic varnish. Anyway I'm really happy and just wanted to let you know. I've already started carving .

[@emilunderbjerg]

sorry that i am so slow to reply! interesting that it works with photo paper! i have tried to use photo paper as well, but without a lot of success. thanks for sharing your findings with me, i appreciate it!

[@mmmbeer3645]

Thank you for the tips. Going to try it this weekend.

[@emilunderbjerg]

Did it work?

[@MargheritaOrsoPletti]

Your art is so beautiful!!

[@emilunderbjerg]

Thank you so much!!

[@lauracoelhodesigns]

Love your work! Great demo and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing! And by the way, "Behemoth" what a Great Band.

[@emilunderbjerg]

Thank you kindly!

[@NanetteStein]

Oh wow...that was amazing. Your work is incredible. These are such amazing tips, so thank you so much!

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you too!

[@MrSHADOW25801]

So awesome! I was looking for an accurate way to transfer! Thanks!

[@emilunderbjerg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PleasantRevolt]

Woahhhhhhhh! Thank you I am using transfer paper for the first time, on my test I added a completely useless extra step. I appreciate the guidance 😊

[@emilunderbjerg]

Glad I could help!

[@phoebebaker1575]

Nicely explained!

[@bluemeadows40]

lovely stuff. thankyou, this is all self explanitory but i picked up a couple of good little tips ill be using eg marker pen to prevent smudging. back of the net!

[@natashaapril8693]

Absolute game changer! Brilliant, thank you so much! 👌

[@emilunderbjerg]

glad you found it useful!

[@radharcanna]

Brilliant techniques. Thank you.

[@Rockstars-Gig-Memorabilia]

Thank you. Such an ingenious method!

[@binder098]

Wow! Frickening cool.

[@patricknorton5788]

Beautiful art. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you, im glad you like it!

[@ladytiedi]

Nice shout out to Crafsman!!! He is awesome and I've just discovered, so are you! Love your work and thanks for the great info!Beautiful work

[@emilunderbjerg]

Thanks and welcome!

[@lucyynwang]

thank you for sharing the multiple ways and tips! I think I will start with my only parchment paper. I wish to find an easy way to get those supplies in my country (taiwan)

[@johnhigginson5079]

Thank you for this, I'm about to try it for the first time. Wish me luck ; )

[@emilunderbjerg]

how did it go?

[@johnhigginson5079]

@@emilunderbjerg Lovely to hear from you, it went really well, the transfer technique worked like a dream, so a big thank you. The only snag now .. I need to get a LOT better at carving ; ) Thanks again.

[@alysakoepke6022]

Thank you so much for this video! Ive tried this method twice now, and both times i had a ton of issues with the print turning out so bad (parts missing, smudging) that i cant use it for a transfer. I used 3 different laser printers and had the same results with all. I also tried different brands of sticker backing paper, again same results. What am I doing wrong?!

[@fontaineanaelle9864]

Hey, I have the same issue. Were you able to find any solution to this?

[@beniyorker]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR METHOD , YOU REALLY HELPED MY CAREER (L)

[@emilunderbjerg]

im glad it was heplful to you!

[@christopherw.griffin3768]

Okay, so Spirit War is amazing. Absolutely fantastic.

[@anthea875]

Thank you kindly 💙💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@smishstudio]

This just revolutionized my transfer process. Thank you for sharing! Have you tried the acrylic medium transfer method with wood blocks? I imagine the acrylic medium would fill in the lovely wood grain texture that shows on the final print.

[@emilunderbjerg]

im glad it's useful to you! i havent tried this on wood, but it sounds like you're right, that would be my guess as well

[@smishstudio]

@@emilunderbjerg Another question 😅, do you wash the posca marker off? If you leave it on, does it affect the ink up process or how it prints?

[@12345katarzyna]

thank you for this video! I would be so interested to hear more about paint you use! it so confusing for begginers like me :) your work is amazing.

[@emilunderbjerg]

the paint i use is just regular white acrylic paint mixed with water, nothing special to it :)

[@jesusmanuel276]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@emilunderbjerg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theartfulparade]

Thank you so much for this helpful tutorial 😊

[@emilunderbjerg]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Rael64]

Brilliant and amazingly helpful. Thanks much for this, although now if I have such detailon my lino, I've no excuse for poor prints beyond my shoddy carving skills. I'll have to think on that.

[@emilunderbjerg]

im glad it was helpful to you!

[@margaretharlan4769]

Excellent video and very nice Behemoth sweater!

[@emilunderbjerg]

Thank you very much!

[@jj27vv]

Really useful, thanks!

[@emilunderbjerg]

☀️

[@1983Aitken]

Have you ever tried Freezer paper? Freezer paper is white paper coated on one side with plastic. It comes in a roll and you wouldn't have to wait to use your stickers. I don't know if it would work but I think it would work the same way? I am going to go buy some to see if it works. Thanks for your video :)

[@mike73783]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@emilunderbjerg]

glad you like it!

[@janjohnmusic4505]

Great demo! I have a couple of questions. 1. How stable is the laser image on the sticker paper? I’ve done the inkjet on wax paper method and it’s very fragile and easily smears. 2. After you’ve transferred the image and cut the Lino, how does it accept the ink from the roller and transfer to the paper, considering the matte medium is still present on the bloc? Before carving I usually sand my Lino block to get it very smooth, with this method it seems there is still a layer of brushed on matte medium with brush marks, perhaps. Do you do any smoothing of the surface after carving?

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you! the laser image is fragile on the sticker paper, you can scrape it off with a nail, and the printer itself leaves some marks as well. the matte medium itself is fine to leave on if it it's smooth, but brushmarks can become an issue. sanding the surface is a good idea to make sure it's smooth. i find it's less important when i print by hand, but i would for sure recommend it.

[@lazylightning9378]

How do you remove the acrylic medium from the block after the transfer? The build up medium affects the final print. Thanks.

[@BobbySpiessVienna]

I was also wondering about that.

[@Maria-ut8gm]

I’ve just watched your brilliant video. I imagine you could use just a black and white print from a book too. I’m hoping you’ll say yes. Maria 🤗

[@emilunderbjerg]

hi Maria, I'm not sure i understand what you mean

[@j.gonsalves]

Yaaay thanks Emil!

[@suesmith9665]

Thats my kind of art❤

[@patricknorton5788]

I am cutting lino right now. I am heartened to know that another experienced artist has wasted time trying to transfer an image with the graphite paper upside-down. So frustrating!

[@emilunderbjerg]

haha, yeah so frustrating!

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

Cool! Is it possible to buy ”label release paper” without labels? What would that be called?

[@theworst1069]

​@@wilhelmhagberg4897ward

[@LizzieStuff]

Thank you!

[@DS.C]

hi emil, I tried your method with xerox labels, however my printer is crumpling the xerox foil and not printing on it well at all. Do you have any solution?

[@emilunderbjerg]

hey, sorry for not replying sooner. sometimes that seems to happen, i dont know why. one thing that might help it to feed to printer one sheet of paper at the time, but other that i cant offer you any help, sorry

[@ardieson4542]

bro you're amazing

[@BlueLineofthesky]

Ok. Great. I did not knew this way of doing things I was using this paper with acetone. I have a question: how do you clean the medium from the linoleum after you do the cuts? The surface must be clean before using inks? Right? Thank you!

[@kamikadze1300]

I have to say this is one of the best tutorials I've ever seen :D It really is a game changer. Thank you so much. I'm wondering about one thing though. I feel like my lino is a bit sticky to touch, especially when I try to clean it after carving. Did this happen to you too? Do you think the medium layer it too thick? Or is that normal?

[@Fastestslugsonearth]

Great video

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you!

[@heatherdavies9546]

very good ideas

[@joyabbott5844]

Thank you so much. I have a question would photograph paper work paper work if I didn't have label paper as it's glossy?

[@emilunderbjerg]

thank you. i dont think it would work, sorry

[@TheTrshMn]

This a great video and I was hoping to be able to recreate the third method with a new laser printer I picked up but it is it just partially prints on the paper than leaves smears on the next few prints.

[@alysakoepke6022]

I'm having the same issue and came here hoping to find some tips. :(

[@patod4]

Thanks to you.

[@YOURJBS]

I want to know how can people make a linocart design scatch book cover side . Please make a video about this

[@ceedig303]

Trying to print on the shiny side of release paper just trashed my printer. How are you getting this to work without the fuser and roller getting caked with toner?

[@emilunderbjerg]

oh, sorry to hear that! i dont know why it turned out that way, my printer just worked without any issues

[@batex3]

Hi Emil thanks for the super helpful videos, I just subscribed! Turns out I have the same printer as you but I haven’t been able to figure out how to tile a large image onto multiple sheets. How do you do it?

[@emilunderbjerg]

theres a few different ways of doing it, but i dont think i can explain it in text. i used either adobe acrobat or photoshop to do it, but its easy enough to find a way on google :)

[@leiaduring3512]

Thank you for this interesting tutorial. What is the name of the acrylic you use and whats the name of the shiny paper? ANd i find your artwork amazing:)

[@sylviadolan1644]

Awesome thanks. Also have you ever tried freezer paper for this? I use it in fabric work, it’s got a waxy kind of surface. Comes on a large roll. 😊

[@coyohti]

I'm wondering the same thing regarding freezer paper. I may have to do some testing - it would be way cheaper and efficient than buying sticker paper and throwing away the stickers if it works!

[@emilunderbjerg]

hey, yes i have tried freezer paper, and as far as i can tell, it doesnt work, the laser toner adheres to it and wont come off when you try to transfer it

[@Dan-hf3on]

So helpful!

[@emilunderbjerg]

good to hear!

[@SuperViviale]

hi, could you show me the video of the craftsman who shows how to transfer a design? because I didn't understand well 😬 your works are beautiful…. Grazie ❤

[@seanyboyc86]

I understand the single A4 printouts but: For the larger pieces made from multiple A4s, are you using an app to split the image over the required pages and then printing them individually before taping them together? How long can the printer prints wait before you transfer them?

[@emilunderbjerg]

yes, i use acrobat DC when i print larger than A4 images - in it's print dialog there's an option to print to scale where it automatically slices the image and prints it on A4 sheets. i think you can wait as long as you like, the laser toner sits on top of the paper and doesnt harden or anything. unless you scratch it, i dont see why it shouldnt work even if you wait for a long time

[@OuroborosArmory]

Heat will also transfer it. With an iron

[@emilunderbjerg]

thats good to know, with regular paper or does it also have to be with the label release paper?

[@nataliatamayo1506]

Thank you so much for sharing. Beautiful work by the way!. Only one question Do you print the image on the backing paper in a regular printer?

[@emilunderbjerg]

i use a regular laser printer to print on the backing paper

[@K.ART9]

Hello. Lovely video but I am curios if I can use any substitutes for the paper or the acrylic medium?

[@lynettestrickland1688]

If using the Liquitex acrylic gel medium to transfer, can I paint the lino with acrylic paint first and let dry then apply the gel medium to transfer? Thanks!

[@nancynamur6404]

Hola. Despues de muchos intentos logre conseguir algo parecido a lo que tu usas. Solamente consegui el "matte super heavy gel" que al parecer es mucho mas espeso que el que tu usas. Debere diluir para transferir la imagen? Saludos

[@emilunderbjerg]

from google translate: Hello. After many attempts I managed to get something similar to what you use. I only got the "matte super heavy gel" which is apparently much thicker than the one you use. Do I have to dilute to transfer the image? my reply: i think you can use it as is, i dont think the consistency of the medium matters -- hope it helps!

[@annewebbpots]

I notice there are a few different kinds of acrylic gel medium. Which is best? ..matt? Satin? gloss?

[@emilunderbjerg]

i dont really know, i dont think it makes that big of a difference

[@carieandryanvarner-faricel4158]

This is so helpful, TY! I usually carve on the pink rubber, will it transfer onto that as well?

[@emilunderbjerg]

it should work on pink rubber, definitely give it a try!

[@jenniemcdonald3480]

Hello Emil. I've just discovered your channel and I absolutely love your choice of designs. I'm new to the lino cut process and I'm wondering if you could suggest which Pfeil carving tools a beginner might buy. There's the "A" set, the "B" set, etc... I notice that you only use a handful of them and I'm curious if you have any suggestion on which top 5 you use every day. Thank you!!!

[@emilunderbjerg]

hi, sorry for the slow reply! here is the list of tools i use pfeil carving tools large V shape B15/6 small V shape L11/3 medium U shape L12/1 large U shape L8/7 i hope this helps but i do think the pfeil naming scheme is almost impossible to understand 😅

[@alessandrabarbosa3564]

Amazing

[@emilunderbjerg]

Glad you like it!

[@philbivins7133]

Is it possible to use the Japanese Kento registration process for a reduction Lino print? Thank you

[@emilunderbjerg]

i don't know how that technique works so i can't tell you. i encourage you to experiment with it, if you have the materials for it :)

[@eliosjostrand8266]

Is there anything else you can use instead of acrylic medium?

[@lilawilson3072]

What’s the graph paper like desk pad under you? It looks amazing :)

[@Spiderbaby66]

Hi there, great video. I'm new to lino printing so practicing on soft polymer sheets to start with as it's cheaper. I did start on lino and used the graphite paper which worked really well, however graphite paper won't work on polymer sheets as it's too shiny. Is there any way to treat the sheets first and what should I use before trying the graphite paper method, cheers J

[@emilunderbjerg]

I've never tried using the stuff you mention, but you could try sanding it with a fine grit sandpaper and see if that helps

[@philippmuller47]

Great work :) which paper do you use for the laserprinter ? Thank you

[@zsavon]

Can I sand after the cut to remove any textures left over from the transfer?

[@emilunderbjerg]

yes, that shouldnt be a problem as long as you dont sand away too much of the lino itself, otherwise it can be a problem when you print it

[@johnmulder4052]

Hi Emil, Great video. I tried the process using sticker sheets for printing and transfer with my kyocera ecosys m5526cdw laser printer. Unfortunately this almost ruined my printer. The paper went in, but never came out. While this may have something to do with tighter tolerances in this midrange printer, but I thought I'd put out a warning. I had to call a repair gay, make him a coffee and talk about the issue at hand. It turned out also that rolls within the printer were smudged with excess toner. Know what you're doing and somehow make sure that the medium you use to print on meets the specs of your printer. I love a good experiment, but in this case you may run into a situation where you have to make coffee for the repair guy or girl. Also note that any warranty you still have on your printer may be void if you use paper that does not meet the requirements and it causes a problem. I'll try with other media and see if that will work, media that meet the requirements of my printer. If I find a good alternative, I'll let you know. Cheers, John By the way: this is all on me of course 🙄🤫

[@sojournerhouse]

You are amazing! What printer do you use? Thank you.

[@henriolanie6093]

Hello Emil, I have a question, do you wash the white paint medium after your finished carving and ready to print?thanks, Henri.

[@XianVaBeach]

Would the last process work with an inkjet printer?

[@emilunderbjerg]

i dont think so, the ink wont dry on the surface and just smear around

[@varshak7733]

What kind of printer did you use and what kind of paper did you use please? Tried twice with shipping label paper and vellum and had no luck

[@whisperclaire1]

Hi Emil, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, this is super helpful. I have tried it and I have the same printer as you, only problem is, the printer doesn't seem to want to feed the label release paper into it. I have only just about managed it by making it go with a bit of regular paper on top. Please can you share the exact paper that you use? I did look closely at your video and thought I had ordered the correct paper but it came with lots of cuts (which I guess help people remove the sticker part). Hope you can help!

[@emilunderbjerg]

i use xerox label paper A4 with two labels power sheet. i think sometimes the sheets are perforated but I've not encountered them myself, maybe i just got lucky.

[@mins_artnlife]

Hi Emil Thank you for this. Your work is amazing :) Which acrylic medium did you use? matt or gloss? Thanks

[@janedevonshire1296]

Hi, @mins_artnlife he used liquitex heavy gel gloss medium. I'm just re-watching this and saw your question 😊😅

[@andreabosch1]

Hi and thanks so much for this tutorial! I want to invest on a laser printed so I can use this method to transfer to lino, but I've read some printers (Brothers for instance) won't work. Could you please let us know what brand is yours? Thanks so much and sorry to bother! I love your work btw 🖤

[@emilunderbjerg]

i am using a hp printer, just a cheap one, i am afraid i dont know the model number and it's currently packed away

[@Ирусик-ы6л]

Что за акриловый носитель вы использовали при переносе рисунка 😢 с помощью распечатанного рисунка