How can the way an artist wipes an etched plate change the finished print?

In intaglio printmaking, the wiping process is essential for determining the final appearance of the print, as it controls how much ink remains in the recesses of the plate versus on the surface.

• Standard Wiping: Typically, an artist uses a starched cheesecloth (tarlatan) to remove ink from the plate's surface while keeping it inside the incised lines. For a clean, crisp result, the artist often performs a final wipe using the palm of the hand.1
• Retroussage: An artist may also employ a technique called retroussage. This involves using a cloth to gently draw a small amount of ink out of the grooves and onto the edges of the lines. This process softens the definition of the lines, resulting in a richer, less stark image on the paper.2

By adjusting the pressure, the material used, or the inclusion of techniques like retroussage, the artist can significantly alter the tonal quality and line sharpness of the finished work.12