What Is Etching?

Beginning Techniques

• Originally etching was used to decorate armor in Medieval times. Decorated parts of the armor were filled in to give the designs a contrast.
  
  

Etching Versus Engraving

• Etching uses acid to remove metal, whereas engraving does not.
  
  

Etching

• A blank piece of copper is covered in wax, then a design is etched onto the plate through the wax. The plate is then dunked into a tank of acid.
  
  

The Process

• The acid eats away at the exposed copper, which leaves behind textured marks. The plate will then be taken out of the acid and cleaned.
  
  

The Result

• Once the plate is cleaned, an ink will be daubed into the design. It will be wiped off, leaving ink within the grooves.
  
  

Creating an Image

• The plate will be processed through a roller, with a piece of paper applied to the top. This will leave an imprint of the image onto the paper.