Etching

Etching is a printmaking process in which the artist uses a smooth metal plate. This plate is coated with an acid-resistant waxy substance called a ground. The artist then creates a design by drawing into the ground with a fine etching needle. This scrapes away the ground to expose the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which eats into the exposed areas, creating grooves in the exposed metal. The remaining ground is cleaned off the plate.

The artist inks and wipes the plate, leaving the ink only in the etched image. A damp sheet of paper is then placed on top of the inked plate. The plate and paper are passed through an etching press, transferring the image to the paper.

This intaglio printing technique originated in medieval Europe. It was one of the most important printmaking techniques of the old masters. Aquatint is a variant of etching that uses acid-resistand resin to create tonal effects.