Types of Prints

Engraving is a printmaking technique where an image is created by incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed.

In lithography, a flat stone (limestone) is used as the printing plate. The image is created by drawing on the stone with a greasy crayon or ink, which attracts ink during printing.

Screenprinting is a printmaking technique where ink is forced through a stencil onto paper using a squeegee. The stencil is created by blocking out areas of the screen with a light-sensitive emulsion.

Monotype is a printmaking technique where a single inked plate is used to create a unique print. The image is created by painting or drawing directly onto the plate, and then printing it onto paper.

Woodcut is a printmaking technique where an image is carved into a wooden block, and then ink is applied to the raised areas of the block and printed onto paper.

Etching is an intaglio printmaking technique where a metal plate is coated with a waxy ground, and then the image is scratched into the ground using a sharp tool. The plate is then immersed in acid, which etches the exposed areas of the metal, creating a recessed image.

Engraving is a printmaking technique where a metal plate is incised with a burin, a sharp tool with a triangular cross-section. The lines created by the burin create a raised image on the plate, which is then inked and printed.

Aquatint is a printmaking technique where a metal plate is textured with a roulette or other tool to create a rough surface. The plate is then inked and printed, and the rough surface creates a tonal effect in the print.

Mezzotint is a printmaking technique where a metal plate is roughened with a mezzotint rocker, a tool with a serrated edge. The plate is then inked and printed, and the rough surface creates a tonal effect in the print.

Stipple is a printmaking technique where a metal plate is dotted with a stipple tool, a sharp tool with a pointed tip. The dots create a tonal effect in the print, with darker areas having more dots and lighter areas having fewer dots.

Drypoint is a printmaking technique where an image is created on a metal plate using a drypoint needle, a sharp tool with a diamond-shaped cross-section. The needle scratches the surface of the plate, creating a burr that holds ink and produces a soft, velvety line in the print.

Photogravure is a printmaking technique where a metal plate is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion and exposed to light through a negative. The exposed areas of the emulsion harden, while the unexposed areas remain soft. The plate is then etched in acid, and the hardened areas resist the acid, creating a recessed image.

Mixed media printmaking is a technique that combines different printmaking techniques to create a single print. For example, an artist might use etching to create a line drawing and then aquatint to create a tonal effect.

Collograph is a printmaking technique where a plate is coated with a layer of glue and then sprinkled with powdered pigment. The plate is then printed, and the pigment adheres to the glue, creating a textured image.

Serigraphy, also known as screen printing, is a printmaking technique where a photo-sensitive emulsion is applied to a screen and exposed to light through a positive or negative. The exposed areas of the emulsion harden, while the unexposed areas remain soft. The screen is then washed out, and ink is forced through the open areas of the screen onto paper, creating an image.