Etching Techniques

Etching is the process of creating a metal plate for intaglio printing by using acid to dissolve the metal in areas that are not protected by a resist.

Nitric acid is the most common type of acid used in etching because it is strong enough to dissolve metal, but not so strong that it will damage the plate.

A resist is a material that is applied to the metal plate before etching to protect the areas that are not supposed to be etched.

Asphaltum is the most common type of resist used in etching because it is easy to apply and remove, and it is resistant to acid.

Transferring is the process of transferring an image to a metal plate for etching by using a variety of methods, such as tracing, photocopying, or using a transfer paper.

Embossing is the process of creating a raised image on a metal plate for etching by using a variety of tools, such as a burin, a scraper, or a drypoint needle.

Aquatint is the process of creating a textured surface on a metal plate for etching by using a variety of techniques, such as sprinkling powdered rosin on the plate before etching or using a special aquatint box.

Intaglio printing is the process of printing an etched metal plate by using ink that is forced into the etched lines and then transferred to paper.

Etching paper is the most common type of paper used for intaglio printing because it is strong and absorbent, and it can withstand the pressure of the printing press.

Deinking is the process of cleaning an etched metal plate after printing by using a variety of solvents to remove the ink from the plate.

Inking is the process of preparing an etched metal plate for printing by applying ink to the plate and then wiping away the excess ink, leaving ink only in the etched lines.

Reduction printing is the process of creating a multiple-color print from an etched metal plate by using a single plate and printing it multiple times, each time with a different color of ink.

Intaglio embossing is the process of creating a three-dimensional print from an etched metal plate by using a variety of techniques, such as using a press to emboss the paper or using a roller to burnish the paper.

The Hundred Guilder Print is Rembrandt's most famous etching, and it is considered to be one of the greatest works of art in the history of printmaking.

The Disasters of War is Goya's most famous etching, and it is a series of 82 prints that depict the horrors of war.