Bastex5 Piece 4x6 inch Rubber Stamping Blanks. Linoleum Block for Stamp Making, Printmaking and Lino Carving Blocks. White and Black for Easy Design Print.

I am used to working with linoleum blocks that have a firm backing like wood. These have rubber on both sides that can be etched, one side thicker than the other, and the center is black rubber that is flexible. I used the thick white side to carve the design into. This material held ink very well - a thin layer was easy to achieve and the print came out very even, the black areas being solid black. I used a traditional wood-backed block with the same ink on the same day, and was reminded of how easy it is to wind up with the blotchy look on the dark areas. So, if you like that level of texture/blotchiness, it may be harder to achieve with these flexible rubber pads. The fact that they are flexible allows for them to really sit fully on the paper, and when you press them, every area touches fully. It was a little bit harder to carefully set these on the paper, because of the flexibility, but I still got a good clean print every time. They rinsed off with warm water just as easily as the traditional wood-backed block. The last note I'd make is they are easier to carve than that brick colored rubber on the wood-backed blocks. They are a softer material. Overall - I'd say these are a great deal price-wise, I was able to achieve some awesome prints, and while they do have softer texture and greater flexibility than the wood-backed blocks, this caused no issue and may have had some advantages. They come individually wrapped and would stay clean if distributing to a class for example, or if you're using one at a time and storing the rest. Would definitely buy again.

I got these because my wrists can’t handle the thickness of the linoleum that is mounted to MDF. The blocks hold the cuts surprisingly well, not crumbly like some others I’ve tried (pink speedball). My one complaint is that I wish the colors were flipped, so that you weren’t carving away white to reveal black, but you were carving away black material to reveal a white background underneath. It’s easier to see chatter that’s been inked up accidentally, it makes for cleaner prints and less time fussing right before you send it through the press.Overall good, I might repurchase. We’ll see how these next few prints go.

These blocks are wonderful. I have tried various kinds of the "easy carve" blocks and by far, these are my favorite. They are MUCH more firm than other easy carve blocks, such as the pink Speedball blocks, but still a cinch to carve. I found the black and white design to be extremely helpful.

My first try at linoleum block came out really good making Christmas cards. These blocks are very soft and fun if your not doing too much detail, the Lino is so soft it will chip easily. My first print unfortunately was thrown away because of that reason so be careful!!

Rubber alternative is great for lino cutting beginners. As you focus on more detailed prints, I would recommend switching to actual linocut as you will have more control for those small details. The rubber alt is also great as you'll be able to slide better vs on lino. More affordable too.

I am new to stamp carving and found this rubber to be easy to work with. I also really like the two tone white on top and black underneath. It gives you a really good sence if if you’re carving deep enough as well as a better idea of what your design will look like when complete.

Overall, the blocks were extremely easy to carve and the black core made it easy to differentiate between what would print and what would not. However, when used with a printing press, prints were warped due to stretching of the block. If pressure is reduced, the prints do not print solidly. I would recommend using this product if hand printing, but not if being used with a printing press.

These are certainly a cool concept when it comes to basic linoleum carving. While these are my favorite for soft linoleum, I prefer something harder and more rigid. If soft is what you are looking for, then these are definitely the ones.