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 f...