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Printmaking Methods
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Etching
Metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Artist draws through the ground to expose the metal, then etches the plate in an acid bath, which bites into the exposed lines. After cleaning the plate, ink is applied and wiped, leaving ink in the grooves to print onto paper. Often used for delicate lines and detailed imagery.
Engraving
A process where the artist uses sharp tools to cut lines into a metal plate. Ink is rubbed into the grooves, the surface is wiped clean, and the plate is pressed onto paper. Commonly used for detailed illustrations in books and fine art prints.
Collagraphy
A collage printmaking technique where various materials are glued onto a rigid substrate like cardboard and then coated with a sealer. Once dry, the plate can be inked and then wiped clean, leaving ink only in the recesses. The plate is then pressed onto paper. Collagraphy is known for its texture and ability to print multiple layers of imagery.
Aquatint
An intaglio printmaking technique used to create areas of tone rather than lines. A metal plate is dusted with powdered resin and then heated to melt the resin, creating an acid-resistant coating. The plate is then etched in acid and inked. Aquatint can produce results similar to watercolor washes.
Woodcut
Artists carve an image into wood, leaving the image areas level with the surface while removing the non-printing parts. Ink is applied to the surface and then pressed onto paper. Typically used for bold, dark lines and is one of the oldest printmaking techniques.
Lithography
An image is drawn with greasy materials on a flat limestone or metal surface. The surface is then treated with a chemical solution that ensures ink will adhere to the drawn image but not the blank areas. This method allows for the creation of prints with a quality similar to drawings. Widely used for posters, maps, and books.
Monotype
The artist paints an image on a smooth, non-absorbent surface, like glass or metal. The image is then transferred to paper by pressing the two together, typically using a printing press. This method is unique because it usually only allows for a single impression of the image.
Screen Printing
Also known as serigraphy, it involves creating a stencil on a fabric screen, and then using a squeegee to push ink through the unblocked parts of the screen onto paper or fabric. It is popular for its ability to print on a wide variety of surfaces and its use in both art and commercial graphics.
Drypoint
Similar to engraving, but the artist uses a sharp needle to scratch the image into a metal plate, which raises a burr. The burr catches extra ink, creating a soft, rich line when printed. Drypoint is often valued for its expressive, sketchy qualities.
Mezzotint
This method starts with a metal plate that is roughened evenly all over with a tool called a rocker; this creates a surface that would print as solid black. The artist then scrapes away or smooths the roughness to create lighter areas. Mezzotints allow for the creation of prints with subtle gradations of tone, very rich blacks, and a high level of detail.
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