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 45 gauge rockers give a coarse finish that will hold a lot of ink, and are more suited to images that require strong tonal range.