What is likely the cause if the background of a drypoint etching appears too dark?

In drypoint etching, the ink is applied to the plate and then wiped off to leave ink only in the incised lines. If the background appears too dark, it typically indicates that there has been inadequate wiping. Inadequate wiping means that excess ink remains on the surface of the plate, leading to a darker background when the print is made. The goal in drypoint etching is to achieve a balance where the lines are inked but the surrounding areas remain clean, allowing the features of the print to emerge clearly.

On the other hand, while over-inking could potentially cause a dark background, it generally refers to excess ink applied rather than residue left from inadequate wiping. Poor pressure might affect the quality of the print but wouldn't specifically cause an overly dark background. Similarly, using the incorrect paper type would more likely alter the texture or absorbency of the print but wouldn't primarily result in a dark background due to ink residue.