Intaglio Printmaker Aquatint Screen

65% density, 45 μm (res. 2400 / 300 lines)

A 65% aquatint screen is easier to control than an 80% screen because its dot pattern is more open. It is more forgiving with exposure time and keeps highlights clearer so the image doesn’t become grey overall. Darker areas remain more stable during development, reducing the risk of washout and open bite. The finer 45 μm dots give better detail and smoother tonal transitions. With good exposure control, a 45 μm screen can produce more subtle and refined tonal results.

*NOTE* Because the photopolymer process naturally increases image contrast, the image should be adjusted in Adobe Photoshop by applying a curve: slightly darkening the highlights and lifting the shadow tones.