The gray tonality is a color language with both neutral characteristics and rich levels. It has something special in the creation of modern and contemporary copperplate prints, and it is easily overlooked. This paper starts with the visual attributes, emotional bearing, and aesthetic characteristics of gray tonality, and analyzes its internal logic of correspondence with the copperplate media technology. Thinking about the creative practice of flying dust, line engraving, color printing, and other different techniques, this paper analyzes the concrete application and spiritual expression function of gray tonal language in copperplate printing. It is considered that the gray tonality can deepen the expression of the spirit of copperplate prints and give a new practical way to explore the diversification of color language in contemporary copperplate prints.