On this one day workshop you will explore the basics of etching metal printing plates such as zinc and aluminium using hard wax grounds and copper sulphate solution.

Etching is an intaglio printmaking process where etched lines or grooves are created on a metal surface which are then inked up and printed from using an etching press. Using copper sulphate to etch is a much safer and less toxic alternative to using traditional nitric acid to etch copper plates.

You will be guided through the process in a step by step way and will have the opportunity to use etching tools such as scribes and roulette wheels to create different marks on the plate. You’ll learn how to use oil based inks, how to soak and prepare paper along with some registration techniques.