Glossary

Artist’s Proof: Copies of the print over and above the edition (usually 10% of the edition). They are identical to the edition copies.

Block: Material such as lino, wood, metal from which a print is taken

Edition: The total number of prints made, not including Artist’s Proofs. The edition cannot be re-printed.

Engraving: A print taken from a block that has been incised in some way. A form of intaglio printing.

Gouge: A U or V shaped tool used to make marks on lino, wood etc.

Ink: Printmaking involves the use of various specialist inks that can be rolled or dabbed in some way.

Intaglio: A form of printmaking that encompasses a large range of techniques, but basically involves incising or etching marks onto a plate and working ink into them, then wiping the excess ink off, then forcing paper under strong pressure into the ink to make the print.

Multi Block Printing: Where separate blocks for each colour are used (what I do!)

Plate: Sheet material e.g., metal or plastic that is incised or etched so that a print can be taken from it.

Registration: The printer’s nightmare! One of the numerous methods that have been devised to ensure that each block (or plate) is perfectly aligned with the others.

Relief Printing: A form of printing where the non-printing areas are cut away and ink is applied to the remaining areas cf. Intaglio.

Roller: used to apply ink to the block. (Known as a Brayer in America)