Drypoint

Drypoint is a printmaking technique of the intaglio family, in which an image is incised into a plate (typically copper, zinc, or plexiglas) by scratching the surface with a hard, sharp metal point. This technique is different from engraving, in which the incisions are made by gouging. While engraved lines are very smooth and hard-edged, drypoint scratching leaves a rough burr at the edges of each line. This burr gives drypoint prints a characteristically soft, and sometimes blurry, line quality. Because the pressure of printing quickly destroys the burr, drypoint is useful only for very small editions. To counter this, and allow for longer print runs, electro-plating can harden the surface of a plate.

Related Topics:
Printmaking - Intaglio - Copper - Zinc - Plexiglas - Engraving - Electro-plating

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Rembrandt is well-known for his use of drypoint.

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