Definition
Drypoint is a printmaking technique within the intaglio family in which an image is scratched or incised directly into a plate using a sharp, pointed tool. Plates are traditionally made of copper or zinc, but modern artists also use acrylic, plastic, or even cardboard as more affordable and accessible alternatives. Unlike etching, drypoint requires no acid baths or chemical processes. The burrs—tiny ridges of displaced material raised alongside each incised line—hold ink and give drypoint prints their characteristically rich, velvety quality.
How It’s Used in Printmaking
In a drypoint workflow:
- Prepare the plate – Select a smooth plate of metal, acrylic, or plastic. Polish if necessary.
- Incise the image – Use a steel or diamond-tipped stylus to scratch the design. Lines can be fine or deeply scored, with burrs adding texture.
- Apply ink – Work ink into the grooves and burrs, then wipe the surface clean with tarlatan cloth or tissue.
- Print the image – Place dampened paper over the plate and run it through an intaglio press, transferring the ink-filled lines onto the sheet.
Because the burr wears down quickly under the pressure of the press, early impressions are often darker and more textured, while later pulls lose some richness. This natural limitation makes drypoint editions small but highly valued. Beginners may find drypoint more approachable than traditional etching since it avoids chemicals, while professionals use it for its immediacy and expressive mark-making.
History & Origins
Drypoint emerged in 15th-century Europe as artists experimented with alternatives to engraving. It allowed freer, more spontaneous lines compared to the rigid control required by burins. Albrecht Dürer was among the first to explore the technique, but it was Rembrandt van Rijn who mastered its expressive potential in the 17th century. His prints combined drypoint with etching, producing some of the most admired intaglio works in history. The method remained popular across centuries for its warmth, texture, and sense of directness.
Variations & Related Terms
- Soft-ground drypoint – Uses softer plates, sometimes wax-coated, to allow textured marks or even impressions of fabric and leaves.
- Combination intaglio – Artists often mix drypoint with etching or engraving to balance spontaneity with durability.
- Acrylic drypoint – Modern plates made of plastic or Perspex provide an inexpensive, accessible entry point.
Compared with etching, which uses acid to bite into the plate, drypoint relies on physical incision. Compared with engraving, it is looser and more textural, favouring expressive rather than precise line work.
See also: Etching
See also: Engraving
See also: Lithography
Modern Applications
Today, drypoint is practised worldwide in print studios, art schools, and home workshops. Artists appreciate its directness and the intimate quality of the printed line. Eco-conscious approaches—such as using water-based inks, recycled plates, or upcycled acrylic—make it appealing to contemporary practitioners. Digital design tools can also be used to plan compositions before transferring them manually to a plate, bridging traditional and modern workflows. Drypoint remains a tactile, hands-on method that rewards experimentation and embraces imperfection.
Practical Tips & Products
- Plate choice – Copper and zinc give classic results, but acrylic and plastic are ideal for beginners and affordable practice.
- Tools – A steel, carbide, or diamond-tipped needle makes clean incisions. Sharper tools produce finer lines, while blunter tips raise more burr.
- Edition size – Be mindful that burrs wear down quickly. Plan for smaller editions (often 10–20 strong impressions).
- Inking – Wiping technique dramatically affects tone. Experiment with leaving a light film of ink (plate tone) for atmospheric effects.
- Safety – Always handle sharp tools with care and keep fingers away from cutting edges.
Hickman Design supplies drypoint plates, tools, and starter kits, giving both beginners and experienced printmakers everything they need to explore this expressive technique.
