Dry Point Etching Without a Press - How to Hand Print

Someone asked if a drypoint etching (engraving) can be hand printed without a press. The answer is yes, here's how:
Supply list:
Plexiglass
Your Image - either a drawing or photo.
An Etching tool - This can be any sharp object to scratch the plexiglass, I'm using a diamond tip etching pencil in this demo. I've used a pottery tool in the past as well as an Exacto knife.
Black paper or cardboard, this is optional but a helpful tool that I used to see where I've etched
Paper towels or old newspaper - used to. keep your area clean, apply the ink, and remove the ink.
Rubber Gloves
Intaglio Ink - on this demo I use Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink.
Pre- dampened heavy printmakers paper or watercolor paper - Soaking in a bucket of water until I'm ready to print on them.
Felt
Clean Kitchen Towel - to blot wet paper prior to printing
Large Spoon - to apply pressure to the paper and burnish when needed.
In this demo I hand press the etching with a silver spoon to print.

Thanks for watching.

See more of my art here:

[TheMarkEH]

This was a masterclass in accessible home printing. Thank you for such an inspirational and insightful video. And your print was fabulous.

[pheenix]

Also, thanks for that lovely background music!

[GreenlifeFin]

Wow, what a wonderful video! And such a beautiful image, love it. Thanks so much, and also for your kind answers to the comments ❤

[lady.mrgue]

Thank you so much!! I so enjoyed printmaking in college and want to use all of my beautiful plates to make new prints! I am also planning on etching a plate to make my wedding invites :) Thank you for giving an artist the opportunity to print at home!

[steveb]

the best art is sometimes the simplest. thank you for sharing. very inspiring

[davefletch]

Thank you for the demo. I loved doing intaglio printing in school, but a press is way outside my budget and work space

[maryvasquez]

Fantastic video. The last part made me laugh when you took out the "optional" non slip backing.

[burczykI]

Yes great video Drypoint is definitely my favorite. I making my tools from steel nails

[daylematthews]

So pleased to see this process. Thanks for showing and love your image.

[simonedoherty]

Thank you, a very informative video. I do prefer the print without the non-skid backing. No keen on the grid impression so thanks for showing both.

[robhead]

That was great! Exactly what i needed to know!! Thank you!

[Salihah.k]

This is very useful tip. Now I can make print with simple tool around me. Thank you for sharing

[CherylWolber-iryl]

Lovely! Thank you for sharing your flawless techniques. A very helpful video!

[LizaCompass]

Such a cool process, thanks for sharing!

[myrthevp]

Love this video, thank you for that! I was wondering how you let the art pieces dry flat? My paper becomes very uneven

[veganista]

Thank you for this!! Can you use a water based ink? Also did you re ink between the prints?
Thanks 😸

[sylwiamachalica]

Beautiful proces and print.
Where can I buy na etching pencil? Thanks

[scottdsyoung]

I have a pin press, but I start off with a metal spoon first. What does the matting do?

[mariamhany_art]

This looks great! Thanks a lot, question: how thick should the plexiglass be?

[Kayccie]

Thanks so much for sharing! I've had some plexiglass with my supplies for a couple months but haven't worked with it yet because I wasn't sure if it would work without a press and etching ink. Do you think a hand press would apply enough pressure?