Mezzotint is a drypoint method of intaglio printmaking where a copper plate is roughened with a mezzotint rocker. The rockers have small, regular metal teeth press into the plate, creating tiny half-tone indentations that hold ink. The plate is rocked in multiple directions until it prints a solid colour, at which point the surface is scraped and burnished to create tone and lighter areas.

E C Lyons mezzotint rockers are made from the highest quality carbon tool steel with a stained birch handle, measuring 18cm in length. The tools come in a range of widths, and in general, it's best to choose the wider tools for bigger plates. Mezzotint tools are also available in a variety of gauges, from coarse to fine. Weights can be added to the tools to allow for easier, even rocking.

The 85 gauge are our most popular mezzotint rockers, as they provide a good balance between creating a plate that holds a variety of different tones whilst simultaneously allowing for finer line work in the burnishing process.