How to Create Intaglio Printmaking

Intaglio printing is the method of creating images by scoring lines into a plate, and then transferring the image to paper. This method of printing includes etching, engraving, drypoint, aquatint, stipple, mezzotint and lithography. Some of these methods date back to the 14th century, and can still be enjoyed today. Would you like to have a go yourself? Read this eHow to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Engraving Intaglio

1. Cut lines into a metal plate using either a burin or a graver. The original plates were made out of copper. Steel works better as it allows you to make more printing impressions, as steel does not wear as quickly as copper.
2. Ink the pate once all of the lines comprising the print are completed.
3. Clean the plate, leaving only the ink within the lines cut into the plate.
4. Dampen paper, and press the inked plate onto it. The ink from the lines is absorbed by the paper.

Etching Intaglio

5. Cover the pate with acid-resistant wax or resin.
6. Cut the image to be printed into the wax with an etching needle.
7. Dip the plate into acid, which scores lines into the plates where the wax had been scraped away by the needle.
8. Ink the plate.
9. Press the inked plate onto dampened paper for printing.

Drypoint Intaglio

10. Use a drypoint needle to scratch the lines for the print onto the metal plate. The scratches from the needle create a burr. Tin or copper works best as the plates for this method of intaglio printing.
11. Ink the plate. The burrs created by the needle will hold the ink.
12. Press the plate onto a dampened piece of paper to create the print.

Mezzotint Intaglio

13. Mark the surface of the plate with dense lines. Use a rocker for this process.
14. Smooth the plate where you wish to have lighter color.
15. Ink the plate, and press it onto a piece of dampened paper.

Aquatint Intaglio

16. Dust either melted or powdered resin or asphalt onto the plate. Heat the plate from below, melting the resin or asphalt onto the plate. This new surface is acid-proof.
17. Etch sections of the plate to create the design to be printed.
18. Spread acid over the plate. The acid will bite into the portions of the plate that aren't covered with the acid-proof surface.
19. Ink the plate, and press it to a dampened piece of paper for printing.

Stipple Intaglio

20. Score small dots into the plate. These dots will be of varying sizes. With the dots, create images for the print.
21. Ink the plate.
22. Press the plate onto a dampened piece of paper.

Lithography Intaglio

23. Use a stone or a grease-covered metal plate.
24. Etch the design into the surface of the stone or metal plate.
25. Ink the plate, and press it onto a piece of dampened paper for printing.

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