Drypoint

Drypoint is a method of engraving where a hard steel or diamond-tipped burin is used to draw directly onto the copper plate. The needle tears into the smooth copper plate leaving a rough edge known as a "burr" along the side of the line. This burr gives a character of fuzziness to the drypoint line but quickly wears away in the etching press, so it is suitable only for small editions.