When you’re carving a lino block it can be handy to be able to see how your block will print before you ink it up. By taking a rubbing of your block you can get an idea of what your final print might look like. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a video or read below.
A graphite stick works perfectly for taking rubbings. Use Newsprint as it’s thin and smooth so should give the clearest indication of your carved lino design.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rubbing-004.jpg)
Use the flat edge of the end of the graphite stick, not the point.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rubbing-001.jpg)
Place the newsprint over the block. Hold it still with one hand and gently rub the graphite stick over the lino, focussing on the raised areas of the block.
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rubbing-002.jpg)
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rubbing-003.jpg)
Your rubbing should show you how your block will look once printed but remember that it will be a mirror image of how your block will finally print!
![](https://blog.handprinted.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rubbing-006.jpg)
For this technique you will need:
- Graphite Stick
- Newsprint
- Your carved lino block (or work in progress block)