Did you know that the back ground marks on a linocut or woodcut are called ‘chatter’? A lovely name isn’t it.
Understanding Chatter
Chatter refers to the unwanted marks or ‘noise’ that appear in areas of a linocut or woodcut meant to remain clear. There are a number of ways of reducing chatter on the print. And while some artists embrace the texture, they can be considered undesirable when a smooth background is wanted.
There are a few simple ways to reduce the chatter.
Printing Techniques
Firstly when you’re inking up your block or matrix ink lightly and in a controlled fashion. This will prevent any excess ink reaching areas you do not want to reach. Using a smaller roller for finer detail and a larger roller for the background can assist in keeping the block cleaner. You can also produce several test prints to identify the areas that need additional carving or the sections which are more likely to produce noise. In this way you can adjust how you mask or how much more you carve away. Though there is little point in trying to smooth out all the ridges in the cleared area. No sooner have you cleared one ridge you will inevitably create two more! The other effective method, though time consuming is to wash/clean your block between prints so that residual ink does not build up.
Masking Techniques
There are a number of technical ways to reduce the chatter as well:
- Maylar or Wax paper masks: Lay a sheet of Mylar over the lino block and secure it with tabs or clips so it stays in position. Mark the areas you want to keep ink-free, then cut openings in the Mylar where you want the ink to transfer. For smaller sections, wax paper can be used in the same way.
- Stencil Templates: Create a stencil by printing the central part of your design onto acetate, then cutting out the areas to be inked with a scalpel. Place this over your block as a masking template for future prints to keep ink from reaching unwanted areas.
- Painter’s tape can be applied directly to areas you want to keep free of ink or laid over already inked chatter to block it out during printing.
- Another solution is to make a paper mask to cover your cleared areas – very thin paper such as newsprint is ideal as it is less likely to get in the way of the printing process. In my experience,
Carving Strategies
- Use sharp, high-quality gouges for cleaner, more controlled cuts. Tools like Pfeil gouges—such as a 12/1 fine V, 11/3 medium U, 9/5 large U, and 5/8 flat—are well suited for precise carving.
- Sharp tools reduce crumbling and prevent stray bits of lino from causing chatter.
- Carve with control, clearing excess material around the design and cutting negative spaces slightly deeper where chatter is likely to occur. Rotate the block as you push the tool to achieve smoother curves, and avoid applying too much pressure.
Summary
- Use masking materials like Mylar, wax paper, or acetate stencils to block unwanted areas.
- Invest in high-quality, sharp gouges and maintain them.
- Carve carefully, adjusting depth and technique for problem areas.
- Control your inking and test prints to catch issues early.
Using these techniques together helps reduce unwanted chatter while still preserving the texture and character you want in your lino prints.