Dry Point

Dry Point Etching Step by Step

Equipment

Etching Needle, “Plate” (0.5mm thick plastic sheet), Flat bed roller press, Image to copy, Scrim, Rag, Rubber Gloves, Ink, White Spirit, Clean Towels, Newsprint & Paper to print onto (>250gsm).

Process

Let us assume that you have already etched your plate.

1.    The paper that you are going to print onto needs to be soaked in water for at least 10 minutes so make sure this is done first.

2.    Make sure you have rolled up your sleeves and got an apron on, this ink will not wash out of your clothes and takes ages to get off your skin.

3.    Put a couple of sheets of newsprint on the desk to protect it from the ink too.

4.    Make a pad with the scrim and dip it into the ink.

5.    Using circular movements cover the whole plate. Make sure you do this for at least 5 minutes ensuring that the ink works its way into all of the grooves.

6.    With the rag remove excess ink from the plate using circular movements.

7.    Remove the paper from the water and blot excess water with clean towels.

8.    Place the plate face up on the felt bed of the press.

9.    Place the paper on top of the plate and cover it with some newsprint.

10.                       Fold back the felt so that it covers the paper.

11.                       Pass the plate forwards and backwards through the press.

12.                       Fold the felt back and carefully remove your print.