Relief Printing

In relief printmaking the ink is applied to the surface of the plate, in contrast to intaglio printing where the ink sits in the plate’s indentations. The parts of the plate, which are not supposed to hold ink, are carved away. Ink is applied to the uncut surfaces with a roller or a dabber. Paper is placed on top of the plate and pressure is applied by running the two together through the press. The pressure can also be applied simply by rubbing the backside of the paper.