Drypoint Etching

Drypoint Etching is an intaglio method of printing, involving engraving a drawing into the surface of a smooth plate. This is traditionally copper or steel, but can also be a sheet of plastic. Using a series of tools, such as needle points and pattern making roulette wheels, a design is scratched out manually. You can vary the density of the lines by applying varying degrees of pressure, or build up tones through crosshatching. A sticky ink is then applied to the plate, dabbed down into the marks made, and the excess wiped away with a soft cloth. Damp paper is then laid on top of the plate and both are run through a press to take an accurate impression, which in this case prints in reverse. You can view our upcoming classes here.

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