FAQ: “How to clean a lino block after printing” (plus the palette and brayers)

FAQ:“How to clean a lino block after printing”
First, I run the block through the press a few times with newspaper. This gets rid of some of the ink. You can do this by hand, but it isn't absolutely necessary.
I use vegetable oil or water and soap for cleaning the lino blocks. The inks I use (Caligo Safe Wash, from Cranfield colours) are oil based, but water-soluble - only their metallic inks aren't water soluble, but are easily cleaned with vegetable oil as well.
If you're using oil to clean the block, you don't need a lot of it. Don't cover your block in oil because it will be difficult to remove completely. As you can see it the video, I only apply a small bit of oil to the rag.
I use Forbo Walton soft grey linoleum, which as a hessian backing (woven fibres) If you use water and soap, do't get the back of the block wet. If the hessian backing gets wet, it will make the block curl. If you get water on the backing by accident, put the lino block between newspaper sheets and place a heavy pile of books on it. This will keep the lino flat. Let dry for a few days.
I know some printmakers use Zest-it but it isn't easy to find where I am, and I haven't really felt the need for it.
I also use vegetable oil or water and soap to clean the glass palette and the brayers. After the brayers are dry, sprinkle them with a bit of talcum powder, this will keep them from going sticky over time. Keep your brayers in a dry place, but away from direct sunlight and heat.
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[@thedehydrationstation]

You're so professional with your tools. I just clean with veg oil then wipe down with rag.

[@blackb6a4]

Thank you soo much! I’m learning a ton from your vids😊 For me cleaning up was the worst part of printing😅 I use a glass cleaner spray for the ink on the glass. Works great. Thanks again and take care!

[@honeythiefprints]

I'm so glad, thank you so much! 😊 yes, glass cleaner works too, I just don't like the smell 😆 thank you for watching!! 😊

[@SykesFW]

I’ve never seen anyone use talc on the brayer, what does it do?

[@honeythiefprints]

It keeps them dry and stops them from going sticky over time (I read this info from the manufacturer) 🙂

[@Chiqc]

thanks for this

[@be-twixt]

This was so helpful thank you! Can you use an alternative to talc if you don’t have it like cornstarch or something?

[@honeythiefprints]

Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful 😊❤️ I haven't used it, but I know some people do! I think cornstarch is a good option

[@be-twixt]

@@honeythiefprints I appreciate your response 🤍 I’ll give it a try