Art and craft supplies that make lino printing easier and safer for beginners. Essential Arts Polymer Blocks offer extra-soft, double-sided sheets that carve cleanly and resist crumbling. Are these sheets robust enough for classroom use and repeated practice?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Cutting Quality: 3.2mm extra-soft polymer allows precise cuts and clean edges with standard lino tools
- • Best for: Beginners, schools and hobby printmakers learning lino carving techniques
- • Not ideal for: Artists who require deep, traditional lino relief or high-volume industrial printing
Pack of ten 100 x 150mm blue polymer sheets, double-sided and 3.2mm thick. Polymer does not crumble and yields sharp, well-defined lines using standard lino tools.
Easier carving for beginners, with extra-soft 3.2mm polymer
Sheets are composed of a soft polymer at 3.2mm thickness and are usable on both sides, so standard lino gouges cut through with less force. The material resists crumbling, so edges stay intact while carving.
Less hand fatigue and quicker learning, making these sheets suitable for first lessons and short practice sessions.
Fine detail and crisp lines, with non-crumbling polymer material
Polymer composition holds carved edges cleanly rather than flaking away, allowing sharp, defined incisions to be retained during inking and printing. Standard lino tools achieve consistent line quality.
Detailed designs and lettering transfer clearly to prints, useful for intricate projects and repeatable results.
Ample practice supply, with a pack of ten 100 x 150mm sheets
Pack contains ten sheets, each 100 x 150mm and double-sided, effectively increasing available carving area without needing immediate replacements. The manageable sheet size suits hand-held carving and class distribution.
Well suited to workshops and classroom use, offering multiple practice pieces before restocking is required.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Essential Arts Polymer Blocks
- Pack of 10 sheets – Allows regular practice across multiple projects or classroom sessions
- Double-sided usable sheets – Doubles usable surface area, stretching practice and design options
- 100 x 150mm compact size – Compact, easy to handle and store between sessions
- Safer than traditional lino – Softer material reduces carving force, lowering risk of accidental slips
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Lino-printing and carving sheets
- Brand: Essential Arts
- Product ID: B09RKF2KY8
- Dimensions: 100 x 150mm per sheet
- Thickness: 3.2mm
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these blocks suitable for beginners?
A: Yes. Described as ideal as an introduction to lino printing and carving, the extra-soft sheets make initial practice easier and safer.
Q: Can I use standard lino tools on these sheets?
A: Yes. Sharp, defined lines can be cut using standard lino tools according to the product information.
Q: Do the polymer sheets crumble when carved?
A: No. The polymer does not crumble, which helps to maintain clean edges and produces fine, detailed results.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for beginners, schools and hobby printmakers who need safe, easy-to-carve practice material. The main selling point is the extra-soft, non-crumbling polymer in double-sided 100 x 150mm sheets that carve cleanly with standard lino tools. Cheaper and easier to use than traditional lino blocks, the pack of ten makes for sensible long-term value for learners and workshops.
