![Etching plate with image of two people sitting next to each other](https://www.dca.org.uk/images/custom/f7/be43bb294057d8fd2e0cfcb1cdaa14/w880/q80/images/uploads/f7be43bb294057d8fd2e0cfcb1cdaa14.jpg)
Introduction to Etching
Learn the basics of etching aluminium in this one-day workshop.
Explore a variety of processes and leave with a small edition of prints. This class is an intensive one-day workshop suitable for people who want try out the basic etching process using small plates.
You will learn how to prepare a metal plate for etching by filing and polishing, then applying a wax hard ground to the surface for drawing onto. A copper sulphate solution is used to etch the designs on the plate.
You will spend time learning how to prepare the paper and ink up the plate to produce a small edition of prints using different colours of ink and Chine Colle.
Print Studio Terms & Conditions
Need to know
- What to bring
All materials will be provided but please bring along sketchbooks, drawings or any images that you would like to use as reference/inspiration. If you’re not confident about drawing, then you can trace from a photograph. We can scan, photocopy or print out images for you.
- What to wear
We'll provide aprons and gloves but recommend wearing old cloths as printmaking can be messy. Please note that open-toed footwear and sandals are not allowed in our Print Studio.
- Food & drinks
A sealed water flask or drinking vessel is permitted but other food and drinks are not allowed in the studio.
Meet your tutor
![Photo of Claire McVinnie taking a print off of a press in DCA Print Studio](https://www.dca.org.uk/images/custom/a7/f2decca6a3eb05ea7b22601db9664c/w880/q80/images/uploads/a7f2decca6a3eb05ea7b22601db9664c.jpg)
Claire McVinnie
In partnership with Freelands Foundation
![Freelands Foundation Logo](https://www.dca.org.uk/images/uploads/6eaaaaf5b1a13a7365b3a09cd0886307.jpg)