Academia De Pulilan

In affiliation with The City School

Cut-cot, Pulilan, Bulacan
2021-2022

Lesson 2: PRINTS

I. Introduction:
A print is a two-dimensional art form created by an impression made by a method involving a transfer from one
surface to another.
All types of prints come in multiples (except monotypes) to form an edition. Since the late 19 th century, artists
tend to identify each print with the number and signature. It is common practice for the maker to produced a
limited edition of the image, which means there is a fixed quantity. The tools used to create the print are often
destroyed once the edition has been completed.

II. Contents:
The techniques include the intaglio technique where areas in the plate are incised or chemically etched to hold
the ink..
Engraving:A hardened steel tool called a burin is used to cut lines into the surfaced of a metal plate. The
appearance of the incisions depends on the angle and pressure applied when using the burin. When the ink is
applied over the metal plate it is retained in the incisions and the paper picks it up in the press to create the
impression.
Etching:Like engraving, the indentations hold the ink, but these are created in a different manner. Lines are cut
onto a waxy surface which covers the metal plate. The plate is placed in an acid bath, which ‘bites’ into the
metal left exposed and thus traces are formed. The plate is then ready for ink to be applied and follows the
subsequent steps in engraving.
Mezzotint:This type of print is a form of engraving where the whole plate of metal is roughened and then
scraped and polish to different degrees, so that the ink also in varies quantities. With this type of print a good
range of tone is achieved.
Aquatint:This intaglio method is similar to etching as acid is used to make mark in the plate. However, a
powdered resin is applied in parts making them acid resistant. Removing a protective coat leaves textured areas
and a number of acid baths are made until the darkest tones are reached.
Drypoint:This print is a variant of engraving which employs the intaglio method. However, with drypoint a
sharp metal point is used which creates ridges (known as “burr”) in the lines made. This technique allows for
the ink to leave a soft, sometimes blurry line.