Dry pointing

Dry Pointing

Dry pointing is an intaglio technique, which involves the etching of an image onto a perspex or metal plate, with a needle etching tool. The needle is used as if it were a pencil, so you can replicate mark making techniques. This printing style can produce delicate and illustrative drawings. 

Method:

• Gather your materials. See the list below.
• Layer your plastic plate over your image, secure with masking tape. Then using a sharp etching tool, incise into the plate, using bold line, mark making techniques and a variation of pressure. (lots of pressure = bold dark lines visa versa)
• Next is the inking up stage, wear gloves and an apron before yo start. Take a cardboard strip and rub a small amount of caligo ink (any colour) into the incised lines. Until your plate is completely covered.
• Then using scrim, work in a circular motion. This does two things, 1, it ensures the ink is pushed into the incised lines and 2, it gets rid of excess ink so you're only left with the ink in the incised lines. 
• Wipe off any excess ink on the surface of the plate. 
• Then place your etched plate on the printing table. Lay a piece of dampened watercolour paper on top of your plate. Then proceed to cover with the felt blanket and roll it through the press. Carefully lift the print and leave to dry. 
• Next clean off your plate with warm water. 
• Don't forget to tidy your area. 

Materials:

• Perspex plate.
• Etching tool.
• Caligo printing inks. 
• Scrim.
• Watercolour paper.
• Printing press.

Health & Safety:

• Keep are clean and tidy.
• Keep area ventilated.
• Wear protective clothing.
• Use cutting mat when etching to avoid the plate moving.