Also known as intaglio processes, these methods use a metal plate made of copper, zinc, steel or aluminium. The image is scratched or etched into the plate using acid so that it sits below the surface of the metal.  Ink is then forced into the scratches or lines and the surface of the plate is wiped clean. The inked plate and dampened paper is then passed through a press which forces the paper into the surface of the plate and lifts out the ink.

An etching uses acid to eat into the metal plate. A drypoint uses a needle which, scratched into the metal, throws up a burr which holds the ink. Mezzotint prints are made by creating a rough surface on a metal plate. The rough surface is made using a tool called a ‘rocker’.  This tool makes tiny indentations over the surface of the metal plate that will hold ink and print as a rich black.  Whites and greys are obtained by scraping and burnishing the metal surface flat again.