Etching is a printmaking technique that has been used for nearly 500 years. It involves engraving lines and grooves into a copper plate or plastic, then forcing ink through those lines. A damp paper is pressed against the plate to transfer the inked design. Originally, etching was used in the Middle Ages to decorate armor. It allowed early printers to formally print words and letters, leading to the development of fonts. Today, graphic designers have a wide variety of digital fonts to choose from for design and communication purposes. The document provides instructions for etching letters into plastic using a sharp needle to cut lines into the surface. It recommends practicing on a sample piece first.

2. Etching has been around for nearly 500
years. It is a type of engraving, where ink
is forced through tiny lines and grooves
that have been applied to a copper plate
(or in our case plastic). A wet piece of
paper is laid onto the plate and forced
through a roller, which then creates a
print.
Originally etching was used to decorate
armour in Medieval times. Decorated
parts of the armour were filled in to give
the designs a contrast. Etching is the
print-making technique most closely
associated with drawing.

3. In graphics, etching was one
of the first techniques that
was used to enable ‘words’
and ‘letters’ to be printed
formally. After this, the first
‘fonts’ began to be developed
and were frequently used in
printing. Today, Graphic
Designers, are able to choose
form a wealth of fonts and
typefaces, and these are used
in all forms of design and
communication within the
Graphics industry.

4. 1. Draw into your plastic with a sharp needle.
This is called intaglio which means cutting,
carving or engraving into a flat surface.
Carefully TRACE over your letter with your
etching needle. Use black paper to see your
design underneath.
Before you trace over your letter, make
complete a small sample piece so that
you can ‘feel’ what it’s like to use the
etching needle, and different types of
mark making.