Intro page: What is Intaglio?
Dry Methods
Wet Methods
Line etching, aquatint
Plate materials
Photogravure
Intaglio Press Diagram
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Dry Methods
Wet Methods
Line etching, aquatint
Plate materials
Photogravure
Intaglio Press Diagram
back to Contents page
The Intaglio Process
On the following pages there are explanations of various Intaglio processes. Please click on the links below to read more.
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What is Intaglio?
The term intaglio refers to many different techniques including drypoint, engraving, mezzotint, etching, aquatint, sugar lift, soft ground, spit bite, and photogravure. It is an extremely versatile medium that suitable to many different kinds of artistic personalities. It is characterized by rich tones, a tactile surface and a "plate-mark".
- The basic premise of intaglio is that incisions, depressions and recessed areas are marked into a plate of copper, brass, iron, zinc, or even plastic. This can be done in many ways, including "dry methods" like engraving and drypoint and "wet methods" which involve using acids to etch the marks into the plate.
- Ink is deposited into the recessed areas of the plate, and the surface is wiped clean.
- The ink in the recessed areas of the plate is left behind.
- The plate is put into a special press and overlaid with dampened paper. The dampness of the paper makes it both more receptive to the ink and softer so that it can be pressed into the incised marks.
- A cylinder puts pressure through several layers of felt blankets and the damp paper is pressed into the recessed areas of the plate. As a result, the paper picks up the ink.(see also fig.6)
- An intaglio print is recognized most easily by the resulting impression of the plate into the paper. This is called a "plate mark".
More information about Intaglio:
How the intaglio press works: a diagram of an intaglio press.Dry Methods:engraving, drypoint, and mezzotint.
Wet Methods: Intaglio using acids:
line etching, aquatints and an
explanation of plate materials.
Photogravure:Summary of the process with some images from the studios of John Goodman Photogravure.
Coming Soon:
Photographic etching: Basic tricks to incorporate photgraphic and digital images into the etching process.
Intaglio tools: some images of intaglio tools.