Photographic Etching

The process is cryptically called, ‘The Non-Etch’, due to the fact that the image itself is only etched into the photopolymer film, and not the actual metal plate. Learn how to prepare your artwork, expose and print from your photopolymer plate in this two-day course.

What will you learn?

Photographic Etching is a process in which a positive image is transferred on to a prepared, metal plate and etched into the superstructure, thereby creating a negative composition on the plate, which can then be inked, wiped and printed in the traditional way. After the desired number of prints have been made, the metal plate can then be re-used to create new prints, if needed.

These processes are suitable for those with previous experience of etching or photography, as well as for those who wish to utilise photographs in a creative way. The process is also beneficial for those who wish to experiment with digital manipulation and composition.

The film is adhered to the metal plate (usually zinc or aluminium) and used as the surface in which the image is etched into. This method is an offshoot of the P.C.B industry, taken and adapted by artists and printmakers alike. The specially prepared imagery is manipulated digitally beforehand, or can even be hand drawn.

Topics covered:

• A brief history of photographic etching and its terminology
• Paper types, tools and materials in intaglio printing
• How to produce your own prints using the methods covered
• How to sign and edition your prints