Copperplate line engraving.

Copperplate printing is a direct printing process so it is essential that the image is engraved in reverse - as reflected in a mirror.

1. To transfer an image to the copper it is traced with a sharp steel point on clear plastic film which then has a thin layer of wax applied to the scratched surface.
2. When the film is placed face-down in position on the copper and burnished, the wax is transferred to the plate and the scratched design shows through the coating.
3. A steel stylus is used to retrace the image to make it more durable during the engraving process. The graver is of high quality tempered steel fixed into a small handle.
4. It is pushed through the copper following the design and precision is aided by the use of a low powered magnifying glass. The graver and various other tools are used to apply texture and shading. The whole process is acid-free and therefore very friendly to the environment and artist.

The Copperplate Printing process.

1. The engraving is filled with ink, first by covering the whole area and then carefully wiping the surface clean, taking great care to avoid removing ink from the engraved lines of the design.
2. The plate is placed on to the steel bed of the press and covered with paper that has been dampened to give it the flexibility to mould itself to the thickness of the plate and into the linework to make contact with the ink.
3. Woollen blankets are then placed over the plate and paper to cushion them from the immense pressure imposed by the steel rollers between which the "sandwich passes when the spokes are turned.
4. The paper is peeled from the plate and, if paper and ink consistency and pressure correct, another print is ready to be added to the edition.