The Intaglio Process On the following pages there are explanations of various Intaglio processes. Please link on the links below to read more. The term intaglio refers to many different techniques including drypoint, engraving, mezzotint, etching, aquatint, sugar lift, soft ground, spit bite, photogravure. It is an extremely versatile medium suitable to many different artistic personalities. The basic premise of intaglio is that a plate of copper, bronze, iron, zinc, or even plastic is marked with depressions and recessed areas.
Ink is deposited into the recessed areas of the plate, and the surface is wiped clean.
The ink in the recessed areas of the plate is left behind. The plate is put into a special press with dampened paper. The dampness of the paper makes it both more receptive to the ink and softer so that it can be pressed into the incised marks. A cylinder puts pressure through several layers of felt blankets and the damp paper is pressed into the recessed areas of the plate. As a result, the paper picks up the ink.