Burr

A word used to decribe the metal ridges that automatically form on an etching plate as the artist scratches into it.

When an etching plate is first scratched into the burrs are quite prominent and reproduce to paper well. This gives the first print run a unique sharpness. However the burrs often soften as multiple prints are produced therefore the quality of the prints deminsh. IT is for this reason that printmakers create a limited edition of their original prints.