Intaglio Printmaking Techniques: Gravure, Etching, and Aquatint

Gravure

In gravure, the lines and areas to be printed are engraved onto a metal plate, which is then inked and wiped clean. The ink remains in the incisions and is absorbed by the paper under pressure. These plates are typically created using acid (etching) or manual engraving. While copper has historically been the most widely used metal, it is often replaced by zinc, steel, or aluminum due to cost.

Drypoint

This technique is similar to burin engraving and serves as a direct recording method. The artist draws the image onto a sheet of zinc or copper using a pencil-like instrument, often tipped with a diamond. As the incision is made, it produces a groove with raised soft metal ridges on both sides, known as beards.

Plates for this technique are usually made of:

• Copper: Harder and more durable.
• Zinc: Softer, often requiring pre-treatment.
• Plastic: Very soft, typically allowing for no more than ten prints.

Calcografia

Calcografia is a process involving intaglio presses to print from recessed plates. Print forms can be created manually or through chemical incisions such as etching or aquatint. Intaglio forms can be flat or cylindrical.

Etching

For an etching, a metal plate is coated with an acid-resistant wax substance. The artist draws the image onto the plate with a sharp metal point, removing the wax layer. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath, which dissolves the exposed metal. The duration of the immersion determines the depth of the line.

Aquatint

Aquatint allows for a varied range of textures and tones of different intensities:

1. The plate is sprinkled with acid-resistant resin.
2. Areas not requiring aquatint are covered with varnish.
3. The acid eats into the spaces between the resin particles, forming a texture that holds the ink.
4. The plate is dipped in a mild acid. If darker tones are desired, specific areas can be exposed to the acid for a longer duration to create deeper bites that retain more ink.