The Printing Process Uncovered

The print making process produces a series of unique prints known as an edition.  Each one has it’s own characteristic tones depending upon the preparation of the plate.  Each print is individually numbered as part of the edition.  There are a limited number of prints done in each edition and once that number is produced the plate is destroyed or no longer used.  This ensures the value of the print is not diluted by unlimited copies being made

Nicky uses a range of materials to create his etchings including copper, zinc, aluminium and plastic plates & etching inks

Step 1

Lines are engraved or etched into the plate

Step 2

Ink is applied and the plate is wiped back until the desired effect is achieved. More than one colour can be applied to the plate in a technique known as “a la poupée”. This part of the process can take a long time depending on the size of the plate and the complexity of the image

Step 3

Meanwhile the special acid free etching paper is soaked in water to allow the ink to take, then carefully wiped off

Step 4

The plate and the paper are then rolled through the printing press producing an image

Step 5

The finished product

This exacting & time consuming process is repeated until there are multiple copies that Nicky is happy with and this forms the edition eg edition 5 out of 10 editions or 5/10