Print techniques: Drypoint
What is drypoint?
Drypoint is possibly the earliest and most rudimentary intaglio method. A sharp tool called a burin is used to draw or cut lined into the surface of a copper or zinc plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, making sure that it covers the lines made by the burin. A cloth is then used to clean the excess ink off of the plate. The plate is then placed on a printing bed. A damp sheet of paper is registered over the plate and then run through the press. Drypoint lines are very dark and rich for the first printings, but the lines eventually start to close and the image can be lost. Etching was created as a way to be able to create larger and more consistent editions.