Recess printing, also known as intaglio printing, is a printing technique where ink is transferred from an engraved or etched surface to a substrate. This technique is used to create high-quality prints with deep, rich colors and fine details.
Here's a breakdown of recess printing:
How Recess Printing Works:
- Engraving or Etching: The design is etched or engraved into a metal plate, creating recessed areas that will hold the ink.
- Inking: Ink is applied to the surface of the plate, filling the recessed areas.
- Wiping: A blade or squeegee is used to remove excess ink from the surface of the plate, leaving only ink in the recessed areas.
- Printing: The inked plate is pressed against the substrate, transferring the ink from the recessed areas to the surface.
Advantages of Recess Printing:
- High-Quality Prints: Recess printing produces prints with fine details, smooth transitions, and rich colors.
- Durability: The ink is embedded into the substrate, making the prints more durable than those produced by other printing methods.
- Versatility: Recess printing can be used to print on a variety of substrates, including paper, canvas, and plastics.
Examples of Recess Printing:
- Engraved Stationery: Recess printing is commonly used to create engraved invitations, business cards, and letterheads.
- Fine Art Prints: Many fine art prints, especially those created by artists, are produced using recess printing.
- Banknotes and Stamps: The security features of banknotes and stamps often rely on recess printing techniques.
Types of Recess Printing:
- Gravure: A type of recess printing that uses a cylinder engraved with the design.
- Etching: A process that uses acid to etch the design into a metal plate.
- Drypoint: A technique that uses a sharp tool to scratch the design into a plate.
Recess printing is a sophisticated and versatile technique that produces high-quality prints with unique characteristics. It is a popular choice for artists, designers, and businesses seeking to create lasting and impactful printed materials.
