AP or Artist’s Proof - A designation on prints that conform to the addition, but are kept by the artist, usually numbering no more than 10% of the total edition.

Aquatint - A specialized etching process that yields total variation.

BAT (bon a tirer) - The designation on the proof that becomes the standard for an edition of prints (French “good to pull”).

Chine Collé - A French term describing a collage element, usually made of thin Asian paper, that is printed and glued to the print at the same time.

Collagraph - A combination of the words, “collage” and “graphic” to describe a print made from a matrix built with collage materials.

CHOP - A stamp or blind embossment that is the insignia of the printer or shop that printed the work. It is usually small and placed near the signature margin.

Drypoint - An intaglio technique, where the image is created by direct, drawing into the plate, using a sharp tool. The darkness of the line varies, depending on the depth of the mark.

Edition - A number of identical copies made from a matrix or set of matrices.

EV or Edition Variable - Refers to a series of prints that are different each time they are printed so no edition number is indicated but usually the prints are numbered with Roman numerals.

Engraving - A cut or carved mark made on metal or wood and is done with a burin.

Intaglio - The word intaglio means to engrave or to cut into and describes the making of metal printing plates. Traditional Printmaking processes fall into two categories: those where the lines are inscribed, directly by hand, such as engraving, and processes that employ acid to establish images on metal known as etching. In contemporary usage, the term intaglio can refer to any printing matrix where the ink is held in recessed areas of the matrix.

Leafing - Refers to the application of a very fine metal foil.

Matrix - The plate, block, screen, stone, or other surface that carries the information for the print.

Mezzotint - An intaglio process, in which the surface of a metal plate is roughened with a serrated tool to produce a fine, overall texture that, when printed, produces a rich solid. The image is established by scraping and burnishing into this texture.

Monoprint - A one-of-a-kind, printed image. The general use of the term includes monotypes and prints that may involve printing metrics with replaceable information.

Monotype - One-of-a-kind printed image made with an unarticulated matrix.

Pochoir - A hand-stencil technique.

Photogravure - Simply put, Photogravure’s are photographs etched into copper, and printed traditionally with ink by hand.

PP or Printer’s Proof - A designation on prints that conform to the addition, but are kept by the printer/printers as a representation of their skills.

Relief Printing - A printing process that takes ink from the top of the matrix. Woodcut, wood engraving, and linoleum cut are traditional relief methods, although intaglio matrices can also be inked in a relief fashion.

Viscosity printing - An intaglio color inking method that relies on different viscosities of ink to build layers of relief rolled color on a single plate.

WP or Workshop Proof - A designation on prints that are collected by the print shop of origin. There are usually very few workshop proofs.