3. Dry Point prints a softer line than an
etching, so you really have to dig and do so at an angle - to kick up a
burr in the plexiglass.
It will give more
of a curb for the
ink to hold
on to.
4. Laying etching ink on the plate with a scraper. Each ink
application, and each trip through the press squashes
the tooth of the line work flat, so it holds less and less
ink, and prints really
light after a handful
of impressions.
Dry points are usually
printed in smaller
editions than other type
of etchings as a result.
6. Clear Plexiglass
Your drawing
Nails or Stylus (a sharp metal point)
Water-based Ink
Printing Paper
Towels
Felt
Small pieces of mat board or cardboard
Tape
8. Create a drawing that is the same size of your piece of
plexiglass
Make sure your drawing uses only lines
To create value build up lines using hatching or
crosshatching.
NOTE: Your print will be a mirror image of your
drawing so make sure to flip any words so they will
print correctly
9. Tape your drawing to the underside of your piece of
plexiglass
Use a scratching tool (scribe/stylus) to reproduce the
drawing on the plastic
10. Apply in in a figure eight motion to make sure it fills
all the lines.
To remove ink from the plate’s surface use a towel or
gauze. Be sure to wipe in a circular motion to not
remove the ink from the burrs
Don’t worry if you leave some ink on the surface. It
will create interest.
11. Soak your paper to get it completely wet.
Place your paper between two flat towels and apply
pressure to the top to remove excess water. You need
your paper to be damp and not soaked.
12. Place your plate on a piece of felt
Place a piece of damp paper on the plate
and cover it with another piece of felt.
Rub the entire felt, applying firm
pressure.
Take a look at your proof. Does your
plate need more lines? Deeper lines?
Did you get the ink off well enough?
Does the plate need more detail?
Sign , date, and label your proof
Make revisions to your plate
13. After revising your plate you may print again.
*you may need to make several proofs before you are
satisfied with your plate.
You may make prints until you plate wears down and you
lose detail.
Label directly under each print in the following format:
Proofs- Write the title on the left. Write AP (Artists Proof)
in the center. Sign the right.
Prints- Write the title on the left. Write the edition in the
center. The first print will be the first edition, label it “1”.
Do the same with subsequent prints. Sign the right.
