The printing process of drawing on a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, with a steel needle. This process is very spontaneous and can almost be called the same as drawing with a pencil. The print from this is characterised by the softness of line. This is caused by the small burr that is left on the sides of the furrow made with the needle. This burr breaks down very fast and changes the look of the print. The number of prints possible with drypoint is very small, about 30 or so. The proof number is therefore more significant in drypoint than any other form of printing. Some of the best works ever done in drypoint were executed by Rembrandt.