How to make a Drypoint Etching Print - Trace Your Art on Drafting Film - Printmaking Demo

This video is an intermediate to advanced printmaking demonstration of a drypoint engraving created on drafting film (also known as Mylar or Dura-Lar).

Here is a playlist of videos focused on drypoint printmaking:

This video shows how to make a drypoint on plexiglass, and includes some tips on wiping the plate:

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If you don't have a press, see both of these videos for tips to print a drypoint engraving by hand:

Check the links below for supplies so you can make a drypoint on mylar too:

drawing pencils

Dura-Lar (polyester drafting film as a plate alternative)

etching needle:
Twisted Scribe (or Whistler's Needle)

tarlatan for wiping ink from the plate

daubers or "dollies": rolled strips of felt for #ink application
or
you can use bristle paint brushes

Matboard

bfk rives printmaking paper (use this if you want to add other media, like watercolor, to your print)

japanese kozo paper - use this if you plan to leave the inks untouched, with no other media added to the print)

watercolors

spatula for mixing/laying out ink

akua ink

akua mag mix (thickens ink)

rubber gloves

apron

Takach etching press

If you have any questions about the process, please leave them in the comment section, and I’ll do my best to answer them quickly! Happy printing! #printmaking #drypoint #draftingfilm #printmaking

You can find me here:

(Note: This video includes affiliate links, which costs nothing to you, but keeps my art supplies stocked. Thanks for supporting my studio work, so I can share my experiments here with you!)

[maggiefreeman]

Thank you for another great video Belinda.

[christopherfarrell-artist]

drafting film is one of the most dynamic mediums available love it!

[karmindy]

I am new to print making and I am learning so much from you.! Thank you so much for sharing your information. I can’t wait to try all of these things you have a demonstrated. ❤️

[nachtschimmen]

This is a great technique! I really do love the things you post ...Now I just have to work out what mylar actually is... I've been using plastic from a folder because it's shiny but you're saying you need to use a matte surface? I bet I can find something I can use at home or that I can buy anywhere. Also, I've been transferring images to the shiny surface by printing an image on an ink-jet printer directly onto the backing paper of labels (I took the labels off) and smearing wood glue on the surface and then applying the paper. It means I often have to scratch off the ink when doing the engraving, but that's how I made the first perspex engraving so it works. Thanks again for these great films.

[ludouglas]

Hi, I found you a long time ago, Belinda, and had forgotten your channel existed. This was a great informative tutorial so thanks very much. Linda x

[JodieDeeWebb]

This is amazing, I am going to have to try this, I have just finished my art degree but I want to keep up with my art! I started this channel to keep my creative process flowing and I love finding other artists and tutorials, it's so much fun!

[CherylWolber-iryl]

Another terrific print making tutorial! Could this print be hand printed with a spoon back?

[prisillaspace]

Lovely....I'm just beginning a drypoint on plexiglass...great tip for using mylar drafting sheets. 😍😎💝 Thank you.

[melkolstad]

I hope I don't sound too "stalker-y", but as a newbie your videos are so very helpful!! Thanks so much for the great ideas! :D

[toddtremeer]

I'm wondering if you can use the pattern shirt stamp process to make an oil-loving relief print area? It would mix a litho relief process on a dryoint etching. I love the use of thin mylar for drypoints. I've done lots of drypoints on plastic but never mylar. I can't wait to try. Thanks for posting.

[kathyshen]

Hi Belinda; Thanks the prompt response. I am using an Akua tartalan and graffix matte duralar. Thinking about it though, it may be the transparent additive making the ink less opaques so easier to wipe off. I will let you know if results change when I add the transparency. I have some, I had not yet seen your video on my first attempts. Thanks for your time and knowledge

[daisy]

I like the color version best;very nice. The blush is something I rarely see now days...
In my printmaking class nothing is really said about how much pressure is required to print various things from a variety of matrix'. Did it take extreme pressure to make this very thin piece, even though it had a backing? I thought I would try this on my Sizzix if I can manage to get that special film. Thank you for sharing I enjoyed it very much

[kaynilsen]

Hi Belinda, I’ve been experimenting with different types of plates and dry point. I noticed in your video that you did not use any blankets in your press. Can you tell me the reason for this? Many thanks.

[lianneruppel]

Is there ANYTHING you cannot do with matte finish duralar? This was fabulous. Thank you. My students can do this.

[romelmadray]

Dear Belinda, Thank you Is there any alternative that can be used for a tarlatan to wipe the ink from the plate. I have done an etching on drafting film using Speedball Professional Relief Ink
, I wiped out with a newspaper on the first attempt and used a spoon to press the image in. Unfortunately did not work. I then tried using an ordinary cheesecloth but again unfortunately did not work. The ink did not go into the etching. Would you say that the problem is the ink or needing the tarlatan wipe?Am I right in assuming that relief ink is different than etching ink? Your link points to "Akua Wiping Fabric for Cleaning Print Making Plates" which is a polyester based fabric which seems different than a tarlatan? Can this work instead or do I need to use this tarlatan fabric.Can a piece of polyester fabric work instead?

[mlthomas]

I really enjoyed this.  Do you think I could get enough pressure to transfer the ink using a stainless steel spoon?

[andreahauer]

Nice tip, I will use for sure :)...I wonder why didn't you use the "felt blanket" (fieltro), with this technique is not necessary? Thanks!

[kathyshen]

In my first experiments with this the unetched parts of the plate held too much ink, the tarlatan did not pick it up, and I had to clean it up with qtips and water. I used Akua intalgio ink, is the transparency and magma you added lending a release quality? Thanks, these are quite fun.

[mlthomas]

Sorry, I just looked at the video referenced below on dry point printing without a press.
The hardness of the plate seems to allow the spoon to work.  Would we have to put a hard backing under the mylar?

[concreteturtle]

Was the edition of five made from the one inking?  or was the plate re-inked.  I'm guessing....re-inked?