Beginner’s Guide to Etching

Etching is a traditional printmaking technique that combines drawing, chemistry, and craftsmanship to create beautiful, detailed images. While it may seem intimidating at first, beginners can absolutely get started with a few basics and a curious spirit.

A two colour etching. Printed first in blue then the plate inked up in purple 
and turned 180' before making the second pass. 

What is Etching?
Etching is a type of intaglio printmaking. Instead of drawing on the surface, the artist scratches lines into a metal plate (often copper or zinc) which has ben coated with varnish on both sides. Acid is then used to “bite” into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is pushed into these grooves, and when paper is pressed onto the plate with a printing press, the image transfers.

What You’ll Need:

  • A metal plate (copper or zinc is most common)
  • A ground (a waxy, acid-resistant coating)
  • Etching needle or scribe to draw into the ground
  • Acid bath (ferric chloride for copper, nitric acid for zinc)
  • Ink and tarlatan (a type of cloth for wiping)
  • An etching press and dampened paper

Basic Steps:

  • Prepare the plate – Polish and degrease it.
  • Apply the ground – Coat the plate with a waxy resist. on both sides
  • Draw your design – Scratch through the ground on the polished side with a needle.
  • Etch in acid – The acid bites into the exposed lines.
  • Ink and wipe – Push ink into the etched lines, then wipe the surface clean.
  • Print – Place the plate and damp paper through the press to reveal your image.

Tips for Beginners:

  • Start with simple line drawings before experimenting with tones and textures.
  • Keep notes on how long you leave the plate in acid—this affects line depth.
  • Always follow safety procedures with acids and inks.

Etching is a slow, hands-on process, but the results can be breathtaking. Every print pulled from the press feels like a little piece of magic.

Some people wear gloves to keep their hands clean. The inks yu use are oil based. If you use acrylic it will dry almos immediately with the heat of the plate. However when it comes to cleaning the surplus ink off the plate, you can firstly use a piece of tarlatan or newspaper. After that it’s best to use the side of your hand. That way you won’t take too much out of the lines but you’ll clean the open areas. The hand is the best method. Therefore you hands will get dirty. I rub a little Vaseline into my hands and nails before I start work. This is absorbed into the skin and makes it easier to clean your hands with warm soapy water afterwards. 

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