Photopolymer

For this process a thin metal plate with a light-sensitive polymer coating is used. As in the preparation for photogravure, an image (photograph or drawing or a mix of both) on transparent paper is exposed directly onto the plate. The plate is immersed in water for about 1 minute in order to develop the image. The plate is dried and exposed to light again to harden the image on the plate. To print the plate the image is inked as for an etching. A piece of matt card, cut to the same size as the plate is inserted under the plate on the press bed. This enables easier printing and gives the classic plate indentation associated with intaglio prints.