About Fine Art: Etching

A metal plate is provided with an acid resistant ground, such as asphaltum. The desired design is drawn onto the prepared plate,  scratching through the tar-like substance.  The plate is then immersed in an acid which eats the drawn lines into the metal.  The asphaltum allows the acid to bite into the drawn design without affecting the unmarked ground.  The plate is then inked and then printed on paper.