Different Printing Techniques
Printmaking is an art medium, comparable to painting, sculpting, preforming, writing, among others. There are different techniques for printmaking, which fall into three categories based on the type of matrix used: relief, intagllio and planographic.
The relief method is the simplest. The image is printed from the elevated protion of the matrix. Examples of these method include techniques like woodcut and linocut.
The intagllio method includes techniques in which the image is dug into lines or areas. Engraving, drypoint, etching, aquatint, and mezzotint are all intaglio processes.
A planographic print is made from a flat surface to which the ink adheres because of the drawing material on the surface. This category includes litorgraph – the process of printing from a stone or metal plate on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area is ink-repellent – and serigraph – the process in which ink is forced through a paper, plastic or glue stencil on a fine-meshed cloth screen, usually silk.
All of these descriptions for the methods of printmaking are borrowed from The Collector's Guide.
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Three Principles of Printmaking
1) The matrix (plaque used to make the impressions) is created by the artist
2) The multiples are printed by the artist or by a technician supervised by the artist
3) Each impression is approved and signed by the artist
How to Take Care of Your Prints
There are some factors you should take into consideration when dealing with paper prints:
1. Paper is sensitive to sunlight. We recommend that you consult a local framing company and request a glass that has UV protection. Think about how much sunlight the artwork will get when choosing a place to install your art work. Direct sunlight is not recommended.
2. Humidity can also damage your art work. A conditioned room will always be best for prints.
