Printmaking: Drypoint
Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking process, similar to etching, but without the use of any chemicals.
The technique is usually done on copper plates where the artist scratches directly onto the plate
with a sharp pointed tool such as an etching needle.
This incising creates a ridge (from the metal displaced on either side of the line) which is called the burr.
The burr will hold a great deal of additional ink when printed which brings out the
velvety dark and feathery lines which is very characteristic for drypoint prints.
Drypoints prints are processed in the same way as etchings,
by first inking the plate, then wiping it clean with scrim. T
he paper is placed soaked and dampened on top of the plate and then run through the printing press.
The printing is done through an intaglio press where ink is pushed into the sunken area by
applying heavy pressure in order to press the paper into the inked marks.
Because the burr is fragile and quickly wears down under pressure,
the plate can only be run a small amount of times through the printing press.
The number of prints created in a drypoint edition is usually very small, seldom more than 20 to 30 impressions.
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