Intaglio printing involves the image being cut into the surface. This technique is opposite to the relief method. Ink is pushed into the sunken areas of the plate; the artist then applies heavy pressure. The marks create the image, which is printed on a roller press. Examples of intaglio printing include dry point, engraving, etching, collograph and mezzotint.
A reverse image is produced with relief printing. The print surface is represented by a flat surface of lino, which can also be made of wood. A roller is used to ink the paper; pressure is applied directly to transfer it to the paper. The plate makes direct contact with the paper or wood. Examples of relief printing are wood engraving and lino cut.
Lithography is a type of planographic printing. Same levels are given to non-printing and printing areas. A metal plate or litho stone is used for the image. The image printed can be both reverse and positive.
Direct images are produced by screen printing, which is a type of stencil process. A stenciling process is used to produce these images. Layers of colors are built up by employing a silk screen. The colors are then pressed with the silkscreen. Non-printed areas are blocked on the screen.