Logos Graphics

Intaglio

Posted on July 26th, 2007 by admin.

Intaglio (pronounced in-TAL-yo) is a printmaking technique whose origins date back to the fifteenth century. Derived from the Italian word for “engraved” or “cut in,” it refers to the process by which an image is incised into a plate, creating recessed grooves below the surface of the plate (see sample plate above). Common plate materials include copper and zinc, while newer materials such as photo polymers including solar plates and ImagOn applied to PETG plastic.

Once the image has been etched or exposed onto a plate, the surface of the plate is then inked and rubbed with tarlatan cloth, a stiff open-weave textile similar to cheesecloth. Afterward, the plate is wiped lightly once more, leaving a thin layer of ink within the fine recesses of the image.

The inked plate is transferred to the bed of an etching press (check out this example) and is covered by a sheet of dampened paper. A set of protective felt blankets covers both the plate and paper before they are run through the press. The tremendous pressure from the etching press’s cylinder forces the ink from the recessed grooves of the plate onto the paper, thus creating a print.

Here are some photos from an intaglio party we held in January, 2008 to welcome a Sturges etching press into our shop. For more info about our in-house etching presses, check out Our Presses.