The etching process
Etching as a printmaking technique originated in the 15th century, having been used previously to decorate metal objects such as goblets, sword and helmets. It involves using acid to ‘cut’ designs into the metal. A thin layer of wax is rolled onto the polished metal, traditionally copper, in more modern times, zinc and steel, and a metal point is used to draw into the wax, exposing the metal underneath. The whole ‘ plate‘ is then immersed in acid, which corrodes or ‘bites’ the metal through the wax, cutting the drawing into it. The wax is then removed and a print can be taken from the plate. This is done by applying ink to it, then wiping it back off the polished surface, so it is left only in the lines that have been etched into the plate, which is then covered with paper and run through a press to produce the print.
The technique we use to produce these dog portraits is known as ‘Drypoint etching’. Instead of acid, a sharp metal ‘point’, such as an engineers scribe, is used to draw lines directly onto the plate – other tools and techniques are used to add tone and texture – and the print is made in the same way.
In order to make the project viable, both in terms of time and expense, we draw onto plastic ( polycarbonate ) plates instead of metal, which is a fraction of the cost of metal and needs no polishing, which can take considerable time, even on a piece of metal 7 inches by 5. Etching on plastic is a relatively new concept, so we have had to learn and create techniques as we have gone along.
