Intaglio PrintmakingJessica StefaniCMU EDU 290

What is Intaglio?A printmaking technique where a

plate is incised so the ink lies below the plate’s surface.

Image is transferred under pressure.

Most common techniques:◦Engraving and Etching

The Six Basic Steps to Intaglio.

1. Design2. Preparation3. Plate work4. Inking5. Printing or pulling editions6. Presentation

Create Your Design!

Step one: DesignIntaglio can support detailed designs.

Think about texture, contrast, and depth.

Designs can be graphic or more three dimensional.

Picture by Jessica Stefani

Step Two: Preparing the Plate and Paper.

Cut your copper plate to desired dimensions with a plate shear set at a 90° angle.

Bevel the edges of the plate to a 45° angle.

Degrease the plate using vinegar and salt. Rinse and let air dry.

Top

Bottom

45°

Paper PreparationTear the Printing Paper (do not cut) and let

soak in water before printing. Always dab away access water from the surface of the paper before lying it on the plate.

Have at least a two inch boarder around the top and sides of the plate.

Have at least a three inch boarder on the bottom.

Plate

4”

2”

Step Three: Basic Plate WorkDepending on the

design, there are several ways to imbue the plate with your image.

Engraving and Etching are two basic techniques to create a design on your plate.

Be aware, the image will print reverse to what the plate shows!!

ETCHING

What you need:o Chemical resistant gloves and

goggleso Ferric Chloride Solution (type of

acid)o Scribe toolo Groundo Contact papero Copper Plateo Foam Brusho Alcohol and degreasing agents

http://www.artmaterials.com.au/images/scribe999.jpg

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ProcessCover the back of plate with contact paper.

Completely cover face of plate with liquid ground.

Let dry

Using the scribe tool draw the desired image on the plate. (do not need a lot of pressure)

Place image in Acid

Let sit till desired depth is reached.

ENGRAVING

What you NeedEngraving tools:

◦Burnisher◦Burin◦Triangular scraper◦Scribe tool

Etching inkCopper plateDegreasing cleaner

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ProcessLightly sketch design on plate with the

scribe tool

Use other tools to deepen lines, add texture, and remove burs by applying pressure and the tool to the plate.

Make sure burs are removed before printing.

Use etching ink on the surface to check progress.

Etched Plate with Dry point Detail

Design and plate work by Jessica Stefani

Inking• Degrease plate with vinegar and salt.

• Work etching ink on a Plexiglas surface till smooth

• Use a Dabber to apply ink in an even coat over the surface of the plate.• NO plate should be showing!

• Wiping• Rag wipe using a tarlatan• Hand wipe using hand or tarlatan with less pressure• Paper wipe using very light circular motions.

Printing or Pulling EditionsWhen the plate is wiped you are ready to print!

Set a piece of newsprint marked with squares for the plate and paper ( a register) on the printing press

.Set the plate and paper on top of the newsprint

and cover with a second piece of newsprint.

Lower the printing felts and run plate through the press. Lift felts and remove your print!

Fun Fact:The process to printing multiple prints is called

Pulling editions.

• There are several ways to mark your finished print, all include:

Title

Edition Number

Artist’s signature

Untitled 3/15 Jessie Stefani

Finishing Touches

Visual AidFor a visual aid,

click on the link to see the intaglio process broadcast from the Minneapolis Institute of art.

YouTube - Printmaking Processes: Intaglio

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