work on an intaglio nyt

3 min read 22-11-2024

Intaglio printing, a fascinating and versatile printmaking technique, offers unique textural possibilities. This guide delves into the process of creating an intaglio print, from plate preparation to the final inked impression. Whether you're a seasoned printmaker or a curious beginner, you'll find valuable insights here.

Preparing the Intaglio Plate

The first step in creating an intaglio print involves preparing your printing plate. Common materials include copper, zinc, or plexiglass. Each offers unique properties impacting the final print.

Choosing Your Plate Material

Copper: Offers durability and excellent detail retention, ideal for fine lines and intricate designs.
Zinc: Softer than copper, making it easier to work with for beginners. Less durable though.
Plexiglass: A cost-effective option, particularly suitable for experimentation. Less detail than metal plates.

Cleaning and Preparing the Surface

Before beginning any intaglio work, meticulously clean your chosen plate. Remove any dirt, grease, or oxidation. This ensures even ink application during the printing process. Different cleaning methods exist depending on the plate material; consult a printmaking resource for specific instructions.

Intaglio Techniques: Etching, Engraving, and Drypoint

Intaglio printing encompasses various techniques, each producing distinct effects. Here are three popular methods:

Etching

This chemical process involves covering the plate with an acid-resistant ground. Then you draw your design into the ground, exposing the metal. Submerging the plate in acid etches the exposed areas, creating grooves that hold ink. The depth of the etching dictates the thickness of the line in the final print.

Engraving

This involves directly carving lines into the metal plate using specialized tools called burins. Engraving produces crisp, precise lines, lending a sense of control and precision to the artwork. It's more demanding than etching, requiring skill and patience.

Drypoint

This technique utilizes a needle to directly scratch lines into the plate. The burr (raised metal) created by the needle holds the ink, resulting in a softer, more textured line than engraving. Drypoint plates have limited editions due to the burr wearing away quickly during printing.

Inking the Plate

Proper inking is crucial for achieving a successful intaglio print. The goal is to fill the etched or engraved grooves completely, while keeping the plate's surface relatively clean.

Applying the Ink

Use a stiff roller or brayer to apply a generous amount of intaglio ink onto the plate. Work the ink into the grooves using a variety of tools—tarlatan cloths, daubers, or even your fingers—to thoroughly fill every crevice. Clean the surface of excess ink using a soft cloth or tarlatan.

Wiping the Plate

The wiping process is an essential step in controlling the final appearance of your print.

Achieving the Right Tone

There are several wiping techniques, each leading to different results. A very clean wipe results in a fine line print. Less thorough wiping produces richer, darker tones. Experiment to find the balance you prefer.

Removing Excess Ink

Use various wiping cloths (tarlatan, cheesecloth) and tools to carefully remove ink from the plate's surface, leaving ink only in the incised lines. This delicate balance of ink and wipe determines the print's final appearance.

Printing the Intaglio Plate

Once the plate is inked and wiped, you're ready to print. This process requires a printing press specifically designed for intaglio work. Manually operated presses exist for smaller-scale projects.

Using the Printing Press

Carefully position the inked plate on the press bed. Place dampened paper over the plate. The press's rollers will exert even pressure, transferring the ink from the plate onto the paper.

Multiple Editions

You can print multiple editions from a single plate. The quality and depth will diminish with each print. Keep meticulous records of your editions.

Cleaning Up

After printing, thoroughly clean your plate and tools. Remove all ink residue to prevent damage and maintain the quality of your materials.

Proper Storage

Store your plates and tools appropriately to preserve their condition for future projects.

Conclusion

Creating an intaglio print is a rewarding process that blends artistic expression with technical skill. Mastering the nuances of plate preparation, inking, wiping, and printing will allow you to unlock the full potential of this rich and diverse printmaking technique. Experimentation and persistence are key to developing your unique style and achieving stunning results with your intaglio prints.