Engraving and Etching

Engraving and etching are processes used to make intaglio prints. An intaglio print is made from a plate, Newspapers and printed advertisements formerly used engravings. Stamps and paper money are still printed using the engraving process because of its ability to reproduce fine lines and sharp details.

Engraving first became popular in Europe during the fifteenth century, when paper became available far more widely than it had been previously. A plate of soft metal is used, most often copper, and the design engraved (cut into) into the surface using a tool called a “burin” which is a square tool-steel rod, sharpened diagonally at one end, such that the prominent corner becomes an effective and controllable cutting edge. Steel is the material of choice for engraving plates. One disadvantage of steel is that it rusts easily.

Etching became popular during the sixteenth century. It evolved from fifteenth century techniques for putting patterns on swords. Etching has printmaking technique in which lines are created in a metal plate through the action of acids and acid-resistant grounds.
Etching grounds have evolved from an unpredictable waxy substance, to harder varnishes used by instrument makers, to petroleum derivatives like asphaltum. The first etchings were done on iron plates, which corroded quickly. Zinc is often used as an etching plate because it is less expensive than copper. This process is much more like drawing with a pencil than engraving is, and many artists preferred it.

Engraving and etching have been used in printing for hundreds of years, they were the most commonly used method for reproducing images. Newspapers and printed advertisements formerly used engravings and even Stamps and paper money are still printed using the engraving process it because of it ability to reproduce fine lines and sharp details.