These lines, if viewed microscopically, have tiny burrs along both sides, created by the act of eroding the surface of the plate with the scribe. Varying degrees of ink application can create entirely different moods when the print is created. More ink left on the master plate will yield a darker, richer toned etching. If scant ink is left on the plate, a softer, more demure effect is achieved. These scribes can be created by using found objects as well, although the hard steel used for commercial scribes works best on zinc plates.
Permanent ink allows color washes to be added as desired, creating a hand-colored etching.
Even consistency is vital to an even ink application on the plate. Excess ink is first applied to the plate and then most of it is removed. Evenness is insured by rubbing the remaining ink into the surface of the plate with a smooth cloth. This cloth lifts the final ink excess from the plate and forces the ink into the lines and against the burrs. Once completed, the plate is ready to print.