Drypoint is an intaglio (derived from the Italian for “to engrave”) method of printmaking, in which a sharp instrument is used to scratch a groove directly into a metal plate. A burr is raised along the groove. When the metal plate is inked and paper is pressed against the surface, the resulting line has a rich velvety quality. As this process is repeated, the burr wears down and the lines become less defined. For this reason, drypoint prints are made in small editions.
Also within the intaglio method, etchings use an acid to bite into the metal plate. Various techniques are used to make the acid bite only where the artist wants, including aquatint, sugar lift, soft ground, and spit bite.
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