ETCHINGS

The image for an etching is created on a metal plate. Typically, the metal is copper, but it can also be iron or zinc.

 

The plate is polished to remove all scratches and imperfections from the surface. 

 

The metal plate is then covered with an acid resisting ground, usually varnish or wax.

 

The artist free hand draws through this ground with a blunt stylus (etching needle). In effect scratching away parts of the ground based on the design the artist has created.

 

The plate is exposed to acid in the areas where the artist has drawn. Such as, by either pouring acid over the plate or placing the plate in a container so that the acid covers the plate.

 

The acid eats into the lines or places that the artist has scratched away on the plate to create the design, thereby resulting in a recessed area. The depth of the line is controlled by the number of times that the artist places the metal plate into the acid bath. Longer exposure will cause deeper and wider recesses.

 

Once the acid treatment is complete, the artist cleans off the excess ground from the plate. The artist then applies a thick ink over the plate so that the ink makes its way into the lines and recessed area. Excess surface ink is then wiped off.

 

The inked metal plate is placed onto a stable flat surface. The plate is covered with a sheet of dampened paper and sometimes a soft material like felt.

 

The ink is forcibly transferred to the paper by a special etching press which in effect rolls over the metal plate squeezing the paper and plate together, to leave an image. When the paper is removed from the plate, an original etching is then visible. 

 

The etching is a reverse image of that on the metal plate.

 

Further etchings can be created from the design on the metal plate, but the artist must re-ink the plate each time before pressing. 

 

The etching is then signed and numbered by the artist, creating a unique limited-edition etching. 

 

Even though there is more than one etching, each is considered an original work of art because it is not a copy of anything else.

 

The etching process dates back to the 16th century and used by artists, such as, Rembrandt and Turner.