The Basic Etching Process
Page Two
Step 7. The Printing Press.
When the plate is inked and ready for printing, it is placed on the press bed facing up. While preparing the plate, the printing paper has been soaking in water to make it "spongier", which helps it to get pressed into the lines of the plate when it is pulled through the press. The paper is blotted to remove excess water before it is laid over the plate. Then the blankets are laid on top of that to act as a cushion between the press roller and the plate. These also help to press the paper into the inked lines. Now the etching can be pulled through the press and printed.
Step 8. Ta-Dah.
Now you finally get to see what you've made! The blankets are pulled back and the etching is revealed.
Step 9. Mounting.
While the paper is still damp, the etching should be tacked up on a board to keep it stretched flat while it dries, usually for a day or more.
Step 10. Checking the Proof.
Now you can check the proof for any mistakes, errors, or anything you may want to change before you start printing an edition. If there are mistakes, they need to be scraped out of the plate, burnished smooth again, and then re-etched or engraved. This is probably my least favorite part.
Step 11. Watercoloring.
There are many ways to make colored etchings, including inking the plate with different colors in different areas. Or using multiple passes thru the press with different colored inks. The method I like to use is watercolor. I hand-paint the prints after they're dry, and with watercolor, you can be sure that no two will be exactly alike. I then sign and number them if they are "up to snuff".
Step 12. The Finished Print.
The print is complete (save for the matting and framing). It is always interesting to see what you wind up with, especially with etching. You never really know what it will look like until you're through.
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