Hi, Gumk – I don’t know if you’ve already solved your problem but I would also like to learn. I just moved myself to Bacolod, Negros Occ. and am looking for relief ink supplies for lino. I’m ready to test letterpress ink myself. With regard to your layers, maybe contact Graphic Chemical because they were original manufacturers of letterpress inks. Also, are your inks rubber-based or oil-based? Online search says that’s what letterpress inks are and maybe that’s a reason for “beadiness?” If your rolls are too viscous, maybe add some kind of drier or increase stickiness/tack? I’m desperate myself and have resorted to adding cornstarch to poster paint to make a rollable ink for lino. Heat and humidity, and what papers are you using? Hope we can help each other out.

Could it be your plates are over-inked?

Try using half the amount of ink, the minimum, but roll it out twice as much, or more, so it gives that “swish” sound.