Intaglio

Intaglio printing - a printing process that uses an etched or engraved plate; the plate is smeared with ink and wiped clean, then the ink left in the recesses makes the print.

Equipment need:

• Perspex plate
• Etching tool
• Caligo printing inks
• Scrim
• Watercolour paper 
• Printing press

By Using the sharp etching tool you make marks into the perspex plate, by using different pressures, techniques and tools you can control how dark or light the marks are.

You then rub small amounts of caligo ink 

into the lines made and then with scrim, work 

in a circular motion ensured the ink is 

pushed in. 

 

By using the scrim make sure any excess ink is wiped off the plate, if too much ink is left on the plate your image will not show.

Then lay the etched plate on the printing bed 

and on top the plate lay a piece of 

blotted piece of watercolour 

paper. Cover with the felt blanket and roll 

through the printing press. Lift the 

print from the plate and place on a drying rack.

 

Health and safety:

• Keep area tidy
• Keep area ventilated
• Wear protective clothing
• Use a cutting mat