Printmaking Terminology

Intaglio is a printmaking technique in which the artist creates grooves or incisions on a metal plate, fills them with ink, and then wipes the surface clean, leaving the ink only in the grooves. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a print.

Relief printing is a printmaking technique in which the artist creates a raised image on a surface, typically a metal plate or wooden block. The raised areas are inked, and then paper is pressed against the surface, transferring the ink to the paper and creating a print.

Lithography is a printmaking technique that involves creating an image on a flat stone or metal plate using a greasy crayon or ink. The plate is then dampened with water, and water-based ink is applied. The ink adheres to the greasy areas of the plate and is repelled by the damp areas, creating a print when paper is pressed against the plate.

Screen printing is a printmaking technique that involves creating a stencil on a fine mesh screen. Ink is then forced through the stencil onto paper or fabric, creating a print.

In printmaking, the term 'mark' refers to the inked lines or areas that create the image in a print. Marks can be created using various techniques, such as engraving, etching, or lithography.

In printmaking, the term 'matrix' refers to the surface or material that the artist uses to create the print. The matrix can be a metal plate, a wooden block, a stone, or any other suitable surface.

In printmaking, the term 'printing' refers to the process of transferring ink from a matrix to paper or fabric. This can be done using a variety of techniques, such as hand-printing, press printing, or screen printing.

In printmaking, the term 'print' refers to the final product of the printmaking process. A print is an image created by transferring ink from a matrix to paper or fabric.

Woodcut is a printmaking technique that involves creating an image on a wooden block using a sharp tool. The raised areas of the block are inked, and then paper is pressed against the block, transferring the ink to the paper and creating a print.

Engraving is a printmaking technique that involves creating an image on a metal plate using a sharp tool. The grooves or incisions created by the tool hold the ink, and when paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a print.

Etching is a printmaking technique that involves creating an image on a metal plate using a chemical solution. The solution eats away at the metal, creating grooves or incisions. The grooves or incisions hold the ink, and when paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a print.

Aquatint is a printmaking technique that involves creating a print using a metal plate with a roughened surface. The roughened surface holds the ink, and when paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a print with a distinctive texture.

Mezzotint is a printmaking technique that involves creating a print using a combination of intaglio and relief printing techniques. The artist uses a tool to create a roughened surface on a metal plate. The roughened surface holds the ink, and when paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred to the paper, creating a print with a distinctive velvety texture.

Lithography is a printmaking technique that involves creating a print using a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface. The artist draws an image on the plate using a greasy crayon or ink. The plate is then dampened with water, and water-based ink is applied. The ink adheres to the greasy areas of the plate and is repelled by the damp areas, creating a print when paper is pressed against the plate.

Screen printing is a printmaking technique that involves creating a print using a stencil and ink. The stencil is placed on a screen, and ink is forced through the stencil onto paper or fabric, creating a print.