Printmaking Vocabulary

Front

A term used by artists that describes the action used to create a copy of the originally designed print.

Back

pull

Front

A generic term for printmaking where raised surfaces are inked and printed; non-image areas have been cut away so that they will not print.

Back

relief

Front

Safety accessory used to provide a stop for the matrix and a safe place for fingers; carving is accomplished by pushing away from the body.

Back

bench hook

Front

A kitchen utensil that is used to rub paper against an inked matrix to lift the image from the matrix.

Back

spoon

Front

The first pulls of a print to see if the product meets the artist's standards.

Back

proofs

Front

Special substances in tubes or jars of the type that will roll onto a surface forming static, tacky sounds.

Back

printing ink

Front

An assortment of cutters that make different shaped grooves in all matrixes of relief printing.

Back

carving tools

Front

Words referring to the condition of ink when it is ready to be rolled onto a plate: beady, crackling, staticky, tacky, slippery, thick, slimy, smooth, moist, glossy

Back

beady, crackling, staticky, tacky

Front

A relief print usually carved in the plank grain of a piece of wood.

Back

woodcut

Front

Process of making original artwork by printing on paper; there are many types; some are created by hand printing and some are created by press printing.

Back

printmaking