Before printing the plates are bevelled by
slightly tapering the upper edges of the plates
–some 45º-- so that the former can pass smoothly
between the cylinders of the printing press
without causing any damage to the print paper or
the press felt. These bevels leave an imprint
–the plate mark-- on the paper which appears in
no other technique and is therefore
characteristic for engraving .
2- Paper Of utmost importance in printing is the
printing paper, which needs to possess
characteristics that correspond to the ink load
received and pressure endured on its surface
when it is pulled through the printing press.
Apart from the quality of the raw material it
should boost the following features: resistance,
which depends on the length, intertwining and
natural elasticity of its fibres – either
cotton, linen or hemp in western countries;
porosity, which allows the ink applied to its
surface to penetrate adequately; adaptability,
as ink is absorbed under pressure from the
incisions engraved upon the plate and should
follow the lines they trace; and the amount of
glue it contains, which makes it more elastic
and stronger but less adaptable.
For printing the paper must be damper on the
inside than the outside. In order to achieve
this, it should be immersed in water, left to
drain, dried on both sides by applying absorbent
paper, and rubbed with a brush to open its
pores. The final result depends foremost on the
engraver’s experience, but also on the fibre,
the glue contained, the working temperature and
relative humidity etc..
