Drypoint is an intaglio process, similar to etching, but without the use of acids. The printmaker scratches directly onto a copper or plastic plate with a sharp pointed tool.

Drypoint on Plastic Plate
Drypoint on Copper Plate
VIEW Slide show Dry Point Steps

Drypoint on Plastic Plate

Artist, Hugh Bryden
Drypoint from plastic plate printed with Akua Intaglio ink.

Artist: Julia Ayres
Drypoint from plastic plate printed with Akua Kolor.

After developing the drypoint plate, Julia applied Akua Kolor with a dauber.To keep the color in the incised lines she wiped with paper. The print was made on moist Arches 88 paper by hand rolling with a Pinpress.

Drypoint on Copper Plate

The printmaker scratches directly onto a copper with a sharp pointed tool. This incising creates a burr that holds the ink. A velvety dark line is characteristic of drypoint prints. Drypoint plates are printed in the same way as etchings. First ink is applied to the plate then wiped clean with a wiping cloth such as soft tarlatan, cheesecloth, tulle, or Reemay fabrics.

Copper drypoint plate by Chris Shore.

Artist Chris Shore
Drypoint from copper plate printed with Akua Intaglio ink.