Prints are a real treasure of graphic art, offering a variety of printing techniques that have evolved over the centuries. Each technique has its own characteristics and gives birth to unique, captivating prints and creative prints. In this article, we invite you to discover a detailed list of various print techniques.
Printing from a wood:
The engraving on wood is one of the oldest forms of prints. Artists use a piece of wood as a medium to create their image. The part to be printed is carved in hollow, while the parts not to be printed remain in relief. The ink is applied to the engraved surface and then transferred to the paper by pressure. This technique gives prints characterized by organic lines and a warm and rustic aesthetic. Subcategories include:
- Original wood engraving in relief: The parts to be printed are in relief, while the unprinted parts are dug.
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Original wood engraving: The parts to be printed are carved, while the unprinted parts remain in relief.
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Original wood engraving in soft-cut: The lines are engraved in depth, giving great precision and rich details.
Printing from a metal:
The engraving on metal, also called soft-cut, offers great precision and fine detail. Artists use metal plates, usually copper or zinc, on which they burn their image using specialized tools such as burin. The ink is then applied to the plate and wiped, leaving only the ink in the engraved parts. The print is made by pressing the creed plate against the paper. This technique allows a wide variety of lines, textures and tonal values.
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Copper engraving: The copper plate is engraved with sharp tools, allowing great precision and fine detail.
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Original zinc engraving: Zinc is a more economical alternative to copper, offering similar results.
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Original brass engraving: Brass is used for its durable properties and its ability to fine engraving.
Printing from a stone:
The lithography is a print technique that exploits the chemical properties of limestone. The artist draws directly on the stone using pencils or greased inks. Once the image is finished, the stone is moistened and then inked. The ink adheres to the drawn parts, while the water pushes back the ink from undrawn areas. The print is made by pressing the stone inked against the paper. Lithography allows great artistic freedom, offering subtle textures and rich details.
- Traditional lithography: Use of limestone on which the artist draws directly with pencils or greased inks.
- Offset Lithography: Use of a metal plate on which the image is transferred from the stone and then printed on the paper.
- Colour lithography: Use of several stones or plates to print colour prints.
Printing from a silk screen:
The screen printing, also known as stencil screen printing or stencil screen printing, is a technique that uses a finely tense screen, usually in silk. The artist blocks areas not to print on the screen, creating a stencil. The ink is applied to the screen, then pressed through the open areas using a raclette. The print is made by transferring the ink through the screen to the paper. Screen printing allows the use of bright colours and striking graphic effects.
- Hand-held screen printing: The artist paints directly on the screen with inks, allowing greater spontaneity and variations in each impression.
- Stencil screen printing: Stencils are used to block parts of the screen, creating precise and repetitive patterns.
- Multilayer screen printing: Several screens are used to layer different colors, allowing the creation of complex and multidimensional prints
Discover the article dedicated to silkscreen printing, a versatile and creative printing technique.
These various print techniques offer an infinite range of artistic expressions and have contributed to the richness of graphic art throughout history. Each print tells a unique story, shaped by talented artists' hands and skillfully mastered printing techniques.