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How to Create an Etching

An etching, a type of fine art intaglio print, uses a chemical reaction, or oxidation, catalyzed by hydrochloric or nitric acid, to deeply carve a drawing or image onto a copper, aluminum or zinc plate. This plate is then coated in ink and placed in a press, where the drawing or image is then transferred onto paper or canvas. The etched plate can then be reused to create multiple prints of the same drawing or image, which can be later painted, colored or altered, if desired.

Things You'll Need

  • Protective gloves
  • Protective goggles
  • Zinc etching plates
  • Isopropyl alcohol pads
  • Paper towels
  • Etching needle
  • Pencil
  • Asphaltum
  • Foam brush
  • Plastic tub
  • Acid etching bath
  • Tub of water
  • Mineral spirits
  • Rag paper
  • Ink
  • Printing squeegee
  • Etching press
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place on your protective gloves and goggles.

    • 2

      Clean the zinc plate with an alcohol pad and allow to dry.

    • 3

      Apply an even coating of asphaltum to the zinc plate using the foam brush and allow it to dry.

    • 4

      Sketch the desired design onto the plate using the pencil.

    • 5

      Scratch the design onto the plate, removing the dried asphaltum, using the etching needle.

    • 6

      Fill the plastic tub with the acid etching bath.

    • 7

      Submerge the zinc plate into the acid bath.

    • 8

      Check the plate periodically; remove the plate when the acid has carved out the scratched lines to your satisfaction.

    • 9

      Dunk the plate into the tub of water to stop the etching process.

    • 10

      Remove remaining asphaltum on the surface of the plate using the mineral spirits and paper towels.

    • 11

      Wipe the surface of plate with alcohol pad.

    • 12

      Wet the rag paper with water to prepare for printing. Place the paper in the press.

    • 13

      Drag the ink across the entire surface of the plate using the squeegee, then place it in the press.

    • 14

      Align the plate and rag paper, then activate the press to make an etching print.

    • 15

      Clean any excess ink from plate.

    • 16

      Repeat Steps 12 to 15 for each print.

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