How to Get Started in Printmaking: Perspex Drypoint

Welcome and thank you for reading my blog on drypoint.

Drypoint is the most immediate and direct of all the intaglio printmaking techniques. A sharp metal tool, drypoint needle is used to scratch the surface creating a bur for the ink to adhere. Traditionally copper, zinc or steel are used but there are also other surfaces that can create a bur to print. I have been using 3.5 mm perspex today as a medium due to the fact that I have been waiting for the shellac to dissolve for my collagraph plates and decided to move on to new plates in the meantime.

Schools often use a very thin perspex for drypoints which is quite effective and cheep.

Copper will withstand a larger edition than zinc and perspex, almost double in fact. The image is created by inking the incised line and bur with a medium soft ink, if it is too gritty add a little plate oil.

The pressure of the press should be less to that of printing an etching as the ink is on the surface rather then recessed for etchings.

Warmly
Jo Lankester

The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one's destiny to do, and then do it.
Henry Ford

Frank Auerbach: Etchings and Drypoints 1954-2006