Traditional Etching Process
A waxy, acid-resistant "ground" is applied to a metal plate.
After the ground has dried, an etching needle is used to draw through the ground. The needle scratches through and exposes the metal.
The metal plate is then submerged in a pan of acid. The acid eats into the exposed metal. The acid-resistant ground protects the areas covered by the ground.
The metal plate is then removed from the acid bath when the etching is deep enough. The ground is then removed with a solvent.
For a nice flash presentation of the process as it is used for printmaking please visit "What is a Print?" (click on the interactive demonstration for etching)
There are many other forms that this process can take to create textures, patterns, and images.
ARCHITECTURAL ETCHING
JACKSON MN
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