Copper Etching and Aquatint

Copper etching is a traditional printmaking technique in which a copper plate is covered in a ground (a waxy layer applied to a metal plate), the artist scratches lines into the ground using an etching needle, and then the plate is dipped into a chemical bath that etches grooves into the metal in those places where the ground has been scratched away.  Aquatint techniques are then used to add shading and gradations to the line drawing. To print, ink is pushed into the grooves on the plate, wiped away from the surface, and then the image is printed onto paper using the etching press to produce an intaglio print.  

On the first day of this workshop, you'll learn to: 

• Prepare your copper plate with hard ground.
• Transfer your image to the plate. 
• Render the lines of your image using an etching needle. 
• Etch the plate in ferric chloride (non-acid and salt-based). 

On the second day, you'll learn to: 

• Use aquatint techniques with spray paint to add shading and gradations in your image, use the scraper/burnisher to fix mistakes and render negative spaces.
• Ink and wipe your plate to prepare it for printing.  
• Print your plate onto cotton rag paper with the etching presses.

Details

• Bring a lunch both days. There is a microwave and refrigerator on the lower level you can use.
• While there are no class prerequisites, it's helpful to have drawing and basic printmaking skills.
• Come with design ideas for what you'd like to print. Your image will be 4 inches by 6 inches.
• Note that this class will take place partially under a tent outdoors regardless of weather because some of the materials used emit fumes, including liquid hard ground, ferric chloride, denatured alcohol, and spray paint. Masks, nitrile gloves and eye protection will be provided. Please dress appropriately for the weather. 
• Ferric chloride can stain clothes yellow, so wear clothes that you do not mind getting stained.

Project

Materials

Class Policies

Instructors or Guides