Etching

Etching is an intaglio printmaking process in which lines or areas are etched using acid into a metal plate in order to hold the ink. The lines in the plate will hold more ink the longer it is etched. By etching various lengths you can then print the whole tonal scale.

When printing the plates you first add ink to the etching plate by spreading the ink with a brayer or by using a cardboard piece. The next step is to use the tarlatan textile to help the ink get into the depths and also to take off the ink in areas that are unetched. Finally we use silk paper to wipe off the remaining plate tone. Alternatively, you can also use your own palm.

Etching can also be done photo based with the photogravure or photo etching methods.