Trying Out Drypoint on Enviromount: A Playful Printmaking Experiment

I recently got curious about a new material I spotted on Handprinted.co.uk: a paper drypoint plate called Enviromount. It basically looks and feels like a thick piece of shiny cardboard. But the idea of scratching into it intrigued me, and when a material speaks, you have to listen!

I tested it out in a recent drypoint session, using one of my own owl photographs as inspiration. See the video above for a visual! This blog breaks down the process I tried...

🎨 Materials I Used

• Enviromount board (cut to A5)

• Drypoint needle (or anything scratchy – you could try a compass or metal skewer)

• Reference image (optional)

• Craft knife (for peeling surface areas)

• Intaglio ink (I used AKUA ink this time)

• Loose-weave cloth (for wiping, aka faux scrim)

• Damp printing paper (pre-soaked and blotted)

• Spoon (for applying pressure)

• Newsprint and baking parchment

🦉 Step-by-Step: My Drypoint Print on Enviromount Experiment

1. Prep the Plate + Sort the Subject

I started by cutting my A4 Enviromount sheet in half - A5 is my comfort zone for drypoint prints.

Then I chose a subject: an owl photo I’d taken years ago. I flipped the image horizontally (since drypoint prints come out reversed) and began sketching directly onto the plate. Drypoint loves looseness and spontaneity!

2. Scratch the Design

Using a drypoint needle, I scratched into the surface of the Enviromount. I started with the outlines, then built up texture and detail. It's important to press hard enough that you can feel the scratches with your fingertip - that’s how you know they’ll hold ink.

✨ Top Tip ✨ Lighting helps here - a side light or sitting near a window lets you see your marks more clearly as you work.

3. Optional: Peel Surface Layers for Texture

One thing about Enviromount - that you can't do when using plastic for your plate - is that you can cut and peel away the top surface using a craft knife. This exposes a rougher, ink-holding texture underneath, perfect for bold contrast areas.

I used this technique on the owl’s eyes and feathers. It’s satisfying work, but be careful - occasionally a bit tears off unexpectedly! I just glued one rogue flap back down. All part of the process!

Note: You can use this "peeling" idea on recycled shiny cardboard (e.g. from a cereal box) - check out my Intaglio Collagraphs video to see something similar in action!

4. Ink the Plate

I prepped my paper first, gently dampening it with a sponge and letting it rest between clean towels.

For the plate, I tried AKUA Intaglio ink, which was super gooey and fun to work with! I applied a blob, then used a bit of cardboard to spread the ink in all directions, pushing it deep into the scratches.

I wiped the surface gently using a tight ball of loose-weave cloth, revealing the design underneath. Gentle circular motions work best here.

✨ Tip: The amount of wiping dramatically affects your final print. A heavily wiped plate gives you cleaner, but maybe fainter, lines; leaving more ink on the plate creates moodier, grungier effects.

5. Print the Plate (No Press Needed!)

I placed my damp paper directly onto the plate, added a sheet of newsprint on top to protect it, and used a metal spoon to press down. Circular motions, firm pressure, and patience are key.

Once done, I lifted the paper to reveal the print. My first attempt was faint - I’d wiped a bit too enthusiastically! So I re-inked and tried again, this time leaving more ink on the surface for a richer effect.

The images below show the inked plate, ready for printing; the first faint print; and the second grungier print.

🔁 Observations & Final Thoughts

• Surface Peeling = Great Texture – The ability to cut away the surface for tone and contrast made Enviromount feel like a drypoint-collagraph hybrid.

• Wiping Style Matters – My second print, with less wiping and some intentional ink swishes left in place, gave the owl a more atmospheric, dramatic look.

• Print Quality – Drypoint lines have a beautiful, dusty softness. Even slightly wonky lines add to the charm.

• Durability? – Time will tell how many prints an Enviromount plate can take before it wears down. I don’t expect professional longevity, but for home printing and experimentation, it’s great.

I still love working with transparent plastic plates for the ease of tracing designs and visibility, but Enviromount gives a different kind of joy. Scrappy, tactile, and full of happy accidents.

📼 Watch the Full Process in My YouTube Video

See the whole owl print come to life, start to finish, over on YouTube

🖨 Want to Try Drypoint Yourself?

If you’re curious about drypoint printmaking at home, I have a Skillshare class walking through the process with easy materials. Mindful Miniatures In Drypoint shows how to use this technique using plastic, and you can try it for free when you click my links!

👉 You can also check out my beginner-friendly Drypoint Printmaking blog guide here.

Thanks for reading,

Happy scratching!

Gemma x