A Simple Glossary of Print Terms
Intaglio
A method of producing an original print by transferring an image from a plate, where the ink is held in grooves or crevices below the surface. Etching, engraging, aquatint, and
mezzotint are all intaglio methods.
Etching
An original print made by chemically incising a line, or other marks(all of those marks make up the image) on a metal plate. These are then filled with ink. The image is transferred to the paper as it passes through two rollers, under very high pressure.
Engraving
Printed the same as an etching, the image is made from grooves made by tools called
burins, which cut into the plate.
Mezzotint
Made almost the same as an etching, except that the ink is held on the plate by a burr
produced by a tool called a rocker. Rich, velvety tones characterize this type of original
print. Neither the engraving , nor the mezzotint use chemicals to produce the image.
Monotype
A print, which is first a piece that is painted on a plate(metal, plastic, or glass usually). At
this point it is a painting. But, it is, then, transferred to paper, either by passing it through an intaglio press, or by rubbing the back of the paper against the plate. The typical question is "Why go through the trouble of changing it from a painting to a print?" The transfer, often produces effects that are unique, and welcomed by the artist
Monoprint
A process similar to a monotype, except that a portion of the plate has an image on it that that will be reproduced each time the plate is printed.
Lithograph
A planographic process(the image rests on the surface of the plate) where an original print is made from a stone or metal plate based on the characteristic of water to repel greasy substances.
Aquatint
A process, usually used along with line etching, that creates a tonal image. It is made,
usually by etching around tiny dots of rosin or paint which have been fused to the metal
plate.
Colotype,Colograph
An original print made on a plate which is, often, built up with items that have been glued to it. The plate is inked, and the images of the objects, along with any other incised marks and textures are rendered on the paper.
Serigraph
An original print made by transferring ink to paper through the openings in a mesh material which have been stenciled to produce an image.
Woodcut
An original print made from a wood block which is inked on the surface, where an image
has been cut.
