There are many techniques for metal plate-based printmaking, also known as intaglio.

First marks are made into a metal surface, which is then inked and wiped. This leaves colour sitting in the grooves ready to be transferred to your printing surface. The ink is transferred when pressed against a surface like paper, by passing it through a press.

The two principle metal plate printing techniques are engraving and etching.

Engraving is when a tool is used to cut the lines of the image into the metal plate. Traditional engraving involves the use of a hand-held, chisel-style cutting tool called a burin. Drypoint engraving is similar but uses a sharp needle-like tool and is more free-form. Etching is when acid is used to corrode the printed areas on the metal plate.