Found in Bavaria

Etching


The first etchings were produced around the year 1500 in Europe and
today, after more than 500 years, has hardly changed the manufacturing
process.

At the beginning an acid-resistant layer is applied on the copper plate. All
designs are carved mirrored into the acid-resistant layer. Needle made of
steel, roulette and moulette can be used for this. After finishing the design
the copper plate is placed in an acid bath, where the acid etches the
incised areas. Depending on the time of the acid bath, the lines become
stronger or weaker, it is a very delicate work. The light-dark contrast in
the image therefore depends on the duration of the acid bath.

After that printing ink is applied to the surface of the copper plate and the
ink which was put too much on the plate need to be wiped off by hand.
Now the printing plate together with the paper are pulled through the
printing machine, around 15 tons of weight are applied to the plate and
each image is printed individually.

The entire production process of etching is done by hands and a long
experience and a high skill of the artist is asked for the success of a
beautiful etching.