Syväpainotekniikat

Syväpainotekniikat, or intaglio printing techniques, are a family of printing methods where the image is created by incising a design into a plate. The incised lines or areas are then filled with ink. This ink is then wiped from the surface of the plate, leaving ink only in the recessed areas. When paper is pressed onto the plate, the ink is transferred from these recessed areas to the paper, creating the printed image.

Several distinct intaglio techniques exist, each differing in how the recessed areas are created. Mezzotint involves roughening the entire surface of a metal plate, then smoothing out areas to create lighter tones. Aquatint uses a dusting of powdered resin to create tonal areas. In drypoint, a sharp needle is used to scratch lines directly into the plate, creating a characteristic burr that yields soft, velvety lines. Engraving involves cutting lines into the plate with a burin, producing sharp, precise lines. Etching uses acid to bite into the plate through a protective ground, allowing for more fluid and painterly lines than engraving.

Intaglio printing is known for its ability to produce prints with rich, deep tones and fine detail. The raised ink on the paper creates a tactile quality, and the prints are often considered high-quality and durable. Historically, intaglio techniques were widely used for fine art prints, illustrations, and security printing, such as currency and stamps, due to the difficulty in counterfeiting the intricate details produced.