It is necessary to run the plate with the paper on it through a press to print the engraving.
Placing the paper on the plate and just pressing it down with your hands will not create enough pressure to push the paper into the lines to pick up the ink.
Smearing is also more likely to occur that way, since it is improbable that you would be able to press it as evenly as a press does.
To proceed, the inked plate is laid on the press bed and lined up with the edges.
The roller, to the right on the press and covered with felt, has already been adjusted on both sides for even pressure before the plate was inked.
Want to see this copper plate in the several stages of being engraved before printing?