The Art of Etching: Exploring the Intaglio Process

What intaglio process employs acid to mar the surface of a metal plate?

The intaglio process that employs acid to mar the surface of a metal plate is known as etching.

The Process of Etching

Etching is a printmaking technique that falls under the intaglio category, where the image is incised into a surface, generally a metal plate. In this process, the artist uses a sharp needle or etching tool to create fine lines on the plate's surface, which is then covered in acid-resistant varnish or ground.

The Acid Bath

Once the lines are drawn, the plate is submerged in an acid solution, typically ferric chloride or nitric acid. The acid eats away at the exposed metal, creating grooves or indentations that will hold ink for printing. The longer the plate remains in the acid bath, the deeper and more defined the grooves become.

Inking and Printing

After the plate is taken out of the acid, the varnish is removed, and the plate is inked. The excess ink is then wiped away, and a piece of dampened paper is pressed into the grooves using a press. The pressure transfers the ink from the grooves to the paper, resulting in the final print.