Printmaking Materials: Etching and Engraving Tools

An etching needle is a sharp tool used to scratch or incise lines into a metal plate, creating a design or image.

A burnisher is used to polish the surface of a metal plate after engraving, smoothing out any rough edges or burrs.

Nitric acid is the most commonly used acid in the etching process, as it reacts with metal plates to create incised lines.

A printing press is used to transfer the inked design from the metal plate to paper, creating a print.

Printing ink is used in both etching and engraving to transfer the design from the metal plate to paper.

A scraper is used to remove burrs and smooth the edges of engraved lines, creating a clean and precise design.

A ground is a protective layer applied to the metal plate in etching, preventing the acid from attacking areas that are not intended to be etched.

A graver is a small, sharp tool used to create fine, delicate lines in engraving, allowing for intricate details and shading.

Printing is the process of transferring the inked design from the metal plate to paper using a printing press.

A dabber is a tool used to apply ink to the metal plate in etching and engraving, ensuring even coverage and preventing smudging.

A stop-out varnish is applied to areas of the metal plate that are not intended to be etched, protecting them from the acid.

A burin is a tool with a lozenge-shaped cross-section, used to create broad, sweeping lines in engraving.

Biting is the process of immersing the metal plate in an acid bath, allowing the acid to etch the exposed areas and create the design.

A roulette is a tool with a textured wheel, used to create textures and patterns in engraving by rolling it over the metal plate.

A printing plate is used to transfer the inked design from the metal plate to paper, creating a print.