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2) Intaglio printing:
This method groups different techniques and refers to
making incisions into the metal plate. These incised
lines are then filled with ink when the plate is inked
up. The paper, which is thick, is soaked in water for a
long time. When it is sent through the printing press
the paper is pressed into the incisions, absorbing the
ink. These printmaking techniques are difficult and
require great technical ability and patience:
a) Drypoint – this is when a printmaker uses sharp
tools to incise into the copper or zinc plate – the
ink will get caught in the lines made and these will
be printed black. If a mistake is made a burnisher
is used to flatten the incision and “rub out” the line.
It takes a long time to incise the lines and build up
the textures even though the metal plates used are
quite soft.
b) Etching – here the plate is covered by a protective
layer called a “ground”. Lines are scratched into
the plate removing the ground. The plate is then
placed into the acid bath. Where the lines have
removed the ground, the acid bites into the plate
forming grooves or textures. Usually nitric acid is
used – gloves and protective clothing must be
worn. The ground can be removed and a different
ground applied and so the process continues to
build up the required effect and density of tone and
texture. The ink then adheres to the grooves and
textures during printing, causing different tones
and the illusion of three-dimensional form can be
created.

Ink

Plate

Incisions Close up of plate cross-section

3) Planographic printing:
This is when the printmaker works on top of the
surface of a piece of glass, metal or stone. The
surface remains flat throughout the process. “Nobody knew” Bronwyn Armstrong, etching

a) Lithography – this technique involves drawing onto the surface of zinc or stone using a greasy
substance like a litho crayon, turps or grease. The plate is then chemically treated so that the
drawing remains on the plate. The plate is then dampened with water and inked. The greasier the
section of the plate, the more ink will adhere to that particular area. The plate is then printed
through a large litho-press.
b) Monoprints – ink or thick paint is smeared or painted onto the surface of glass, metal or stone to
form an image or design. When the printmaker is satisfied with the design the image is printed.
Only one copy can be printed, then the plate is washed and another design created. The design on
the plate is therefore not permanent.

Artifact Publications and Training 2015 69