Printmaking is an art process in which an image is created on a surface (called a plate or block) and then transferred—usually with ink—onto paper or another material to produce repeated impressions of the same design. It allows an artist to create multiple originals rather than a single unique piece.

Definition of printmaking

Printmaking can be simply defined as the art of transferring an inked image from a prepared surface (matrix) onto another surface, most often paper, to produce one or more impressions. Each impression is considered an original artwork made from that matrix.

Two main types of printmaking

In many school and exam contexts, the “two main types” of printmaking are often grouped as:

  1. Relief printing
  2. Intaglio printing

These two categories are based on where the ink sits on the printing surface.

Relief printing

In relief printing, the image to be printed stands up in relief from the surface.

  • The artist cuts or carves away the areas that should stay white (or unprinted), leaving the design raised.
  • Ink is rolled only on the raised parts, and when paper is pressed onto the block, those raised, inked areas transfer the image.
  • Common relief methods: woodcut, linocut, wood engraving.

In short: in relief printing, the raised areas print and the cut‑away areas do not.

Intaglio printing

In intaglio printing, the image to be printed is cut or incised into the surface.

  • The artist scratches, engraves, or etches lines and textures into a metal plate (often copper or zinc).
  • Ink is pushed into these recessed lines, and the surface of the plate is wiped clean.
  • Damp paper is then pressed with great pressure onto the plate, pulling ink out of the grooves and creating the print.
  • Common intaglio methods: engraving, etching, drypoint, aquatint.

In short: in intaglio printing, the cut‑in, recessed lines hold the ink and print, while the untouched surface usually stays light.