Preparation
A copper plate is degreased and a thin layer of wax coating (hardground) is applied to the surface of the plate.
Aquatint
A fine layer of powdered rosin is dusted evenly across the plate. The rosin is then heated and fused and returned to the acid bath. Aquatint can be manipulated in various ways to create texture and tone.
Printing
The plate is placed on an etching press, and a sheet of dampened paper is laid on top. Under the heavy pressure of the press, the paper is pushed into the grooves and textures of the plate, picking up the ink to create the final image.
Carving
A piece of linoleum is cut to size and sanded to ensure even inking. Various shaped cutters are used to carve away the areas that will remain white or blank in the final print. The areas that are left raised will be the ones that receive ink and print dark.
Intaglio Process
Drawing
An etching needle is used to draw directly onto the plate. As the tool scratches through the coating, it exposes the metal beneath.
Inking
When the plate is finished, it is cleaned and a stiff ink is applied across the entire plate and worked into all the etched lines and textures.
Platemark
As the plate passes through the press under heavy pressure, it leaves an indentation in the paper—known as the plate mark. It’s a signature of traditional intaglio printing and shows that each print is hand-pulled directly from the plate.
Linocut Process
Inking
A roller (called a brayer) is used to apply a thin, even layer of ink across the raised surface of the block. The carved-out areas remain ink-free.
Etching
The plate is submerged in an acid bath, which reacts with the exposed metal to create deep grooves. The delicate etched line has a quality unlike anything else—crisp, clean, and timeless.
Wiping
The surface is then carefully wiped clean by hand, leaving ink only in the recessed areas that will transfer to paper.
Drying & Finishing
Each print is lifted, blotted, and dried flat. Once fully dry, the prints are then signed and editioned. Limited editions help maintain quality, exclusivity, and make prints more collectible.
Printing
The inked block is placed face-up with paper laid over it. Printing can be done by hand—using a baren or wooden spoon to apply pressure—or with a printing press. The pressure transfers the inked image onto the paper. Once fully dry, the prints are then signed and editioned. Limited editions help maintain quality, exclusivity, and make prints more collectible.