Monotypes are one-of-a-kind prints created by transferring an image painted on a glass plate to paper by means of pressure. Unlike intaglio, relief printing or lithography, monotypes employ no matrix, or permanent design, such as lines etched into an intaglio plate. Therefore, generally no more than one to three successive prints can be made from a single image painted on the plate, each being progressively paler as there is less ink on the plate. The words monotype and monoprint are often erroneously used interchangeably; monoprints refer to the technique of purposefully mis-inking (too thick, too thin, spotty) a plate with a matrix.