Coloring/Blackening Engravings

[mdengraver]

When colorizing engravings does one periodically blacken in the engraving as they go along to see how they are coming along with their design like a proof or do it at the end when the engraving is complete?
I'd like to see some examples of the process.

 

[Ron Smith]

Both ways, but no matter which. On Bulino engraving, the italians just rub a little dirty oil with worn out 4/0 paper or at least very fine paper. they have a special brand paper that they use, I don't remember what it was, sorry, but you can rub lamp black, candle soot, graphite or whatever to take a look. For final black, I use fingerprint ink and let it cure under a lamp for a couple days it is then very hard (almost impossible)to get out..........Ron S

 

[mdengraver]

Thanks, I appreciate the information.