Intaglio Photogravure Plates

We manufacture exceptionally high-quality photogravure plates from digital files. We work at remarkable speed, ensuring dedicated turnaround times for artists and studios around the globe.

A Unique Service

We manufacture exceptionally high-quality photogravure plates from digital files at remarkable speed, ensuring dedicated turnaround times. After starting an order with us, we will promptly print your plate(s) and dispatch them to your desired location worldwide. For bulk plate production at expedited and consistent turnarounds, kindly contact us to establish an account. We provide quantity discounts and a 30% reduction on duplicate plates within the same order (utilizing this incentive for maintaining a backup during an edition run). Additionally, all in-studio (aka at Prints on Paper) plate production is subject to a discount.

EMAIL US TO GET STARTED

How We Do It

At Prints on Paper, we’ve developed a groundbreaking plate printing method that leverages cutting-edge Epson printers, Epson Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ink, Torelief steel-backed letterpress plates capable of producing 20 micrometre (µm) dot sizes, and a unique “dot-aware” dither algorithm. This intaglio plate-making technique enables exceptionally smooth tonal transitions, eliminating the dot overlaps (or noise) commonly found in legacy direct-to-plate printing services. Moreover, intaglio printmakers can now produce the finest lines and an impressive range of gray tonal values from any digital file, regardless of its format, whether it’s photographic, vector, digital-first, or any other type of input.

First the image is printed as a tri-tone (minimum) generally using MK, Cyan, and LK ink directly onto the polymer plate at 2880dpi. PK and Violet ink can also be used if 4k or 5k is desired.
Then the plate is exposed, washed, dried, and exposed again. This hardens the texture to allow for inking. The image above shows the plate after first exposure and drying.
These plates allow for screen-to-print match with thousands of tonal transitions and no grain. We ship world-wide with 24-48hr turnarounds normal. 20-50 prints possible per plate.

Why We Do It

We firmly believe that photogravure has finally achieved its rightful place as a genuine continuous tone photographic printing method, alongside silver gelatin and inkjet. By seamlessly integrating this high-quality plate process with a digital-first approach, we unlock new possibilities for printing. What truly sets gravure apart is its boundless range of paper and ink options. Double plate printing, chin-collé, and the possibilities are endless. Gravure is an incredibly expressive medium! We teach artists, art departments, and studios how to make their own plates too! Email us to enquire about a studio setup.

PLATE PRINTING PRICES

 

Online Orders

5×7” $70 (minimum of 2 plates)

8×10” $139

11×14” $160

16×20” $300

18×24” $315

20×30” $400

30×40” $800

 

 

In-Studio Production Day Pricing**

5×7” $54 (minimum of 2 plates)

8×10” $97

11×14” $120

16×20” $225

18×24” $236

20×30” $300

30×40” $600

Prices do not include taxes, shipping, or packing. Prices above are an estimate only. Different sizes roughly fall in the price ranges above based on square footage. Very odd-ball plate dimensions (like 1” by 40”) may be priced differently.

** In-house production requires a $450 minimum security deposit.