Glossary
Artist's proof
Impressions printed especially for the artist and excluded from the numbering from an edition, but exactly like the editioned prints in every other respect. Usually appears as 'AP'.
Edition
The total number of impressions pulled of a single image or set of images from the same matrix. To this number the artist usually authorises the additions of a small number of artist's, printer's, publisher's and other proofs.
Etching
An intaglio process in which a plate is treated with acid-resistant ground. The artist then draws through the ground with various tools to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath where the acid bites or chemically dissolves the exposed lines. The metal plate is therefore carved or etched by the acid rather than by a tool directly in the metal.
Glicee
A print produced with continous tone ink-jet technology on a variety of media. Is very high quality, longevity and clarity.
Hors-commerce 'HC'
These proofs not originally intended for sale are excluded from the number of an edition but are otherwise exactly the like the editioned prints in every other respect.
Inkjet printing
A broad term for four color printing in which liquid inks are sprayed onto the receiving material in very fine droplets not visible to the naked eye.
Impressions printed especially for the artist and excluded from the numbering from an edition, but exactly like the editioned prints in every other respect. Usually appears as 'AP'.
Edition
The total number of impressions pulled of a single image or set of images from the same matrix. To this number the artist usually authorises the additions of a small number of artist's, printer's, publisher's and other proofs.
Etching
An intaglio process in which a plate is treated with acid-resistant ground. The artist then draws through the ground with various tools to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath where the acid bites or chemically dissolves the exposed lines. The metal plate is therefore carved or etched by the acid rather than by a tool directly in the metal.
Glicee
A print produced with continous tone ink-jet technology on a variety of media. Is very high quality, longevity and clarity.
Hors-commerce 'HC'
These proofs not originally intended for sale are excluded from the number of an edition but are otherwise exactly the like the editioned prints in every other respect.
Inkjet printing
A broad term for four color printing in which liquid inks are sprayed onto the receiving material in very fine droplets not visible to the naked eye.
Lithography
A planographic printing process where a drawing is made directly on a stone or other smooth matrix with greasy materials such a lithographic crayon. The surface is then dampened with water, which is repelled by the greasy areas. The surface is then rolled with greasy printing ink which adheres only to the greasy areas and is itself repelled by the areas which have water. The drawn image is then printed.
Offset printing
A printing technique whereby ink is spread on a metal plate with etched images, then transferred to an intermediary surface such as a rubber blanket, and finally applied to paper by pressing the paper against the intermediary surface.
Printer's proof
Impressions printed especially for the printer and excluded from the numbering from an edition, but exactly like the editioned prints in every other respect. Usually appears as 'PP'.
Screenprint / Silkscreen
A printing process using stencils to block out areas which are then printed through silk, other fabric or metal mesh.
State
An impression taken from the plate at a particular moment or stage of development and distinguished from impressions taken at other times during that process. The final state is the state from which editions are generally pulled, although some artists pull several impressions in each state.
A planographic printing process where a drawing is made directly on a stone or other smooth matrix with greasy materials such a lithographic crayon. The surface is then dampened with water, which is repelled by the greasy areas. The surface is then rolled with greasy printing ink which adheres only to the greasy areas and is itself repelled by the areas which have water. The drawn image is then printed.
Offset printing
A printing technique whereby ink is spread on a metal plate with etched images, then transferred to an intermediary surface such as a rubber blanket, and finally applied to paper by pressing the paper against the intermediary surface.
Printer's proof
Impressions printed especially for the printer and excluded from the numbering from an edition, but exactly like the editioned prints in every other respect. Usually appears as 'PP'.
Screenprint / Silkscreen
A printing process using stencils to block out areas which are then printed through silk, other fabric or metal mesh.
State
An impression taken from the plate at a particular moment or stage of development and distinguished from impressions taken at other times during that process. The final state is the state from which editions are generally pulled, although some artists pull several impressions in each state.