The image is created by applying ink to the surface of a plate, then it is printed by hand or a press onto a sheet of paper, yielding a one-of-a-kind print.

The reductive monotype, also known as the subtractive method, or dark field monotype, entails rolling up the plate with ink first. Then the image is wiped out of the darkened field, with a variety of tools such as rags, cotton swabs or sticks.

The Additive Monotype is created by painting or drawing directly on the plate. The ink is applied with a brush, or other tools such as Akua Kolor Pens and Needle Applicators.

Akua-Kolor and Akua Intaglio water-based inks stay wet on the monotype plate for a very long time, allowing many hours to create an image. They can be printed on dry paper, which results in more brilliant colors and sharper images.