The Aquatint

A very fine asphaltum powder fused to a copperplate, or rosin fused to gelatin, or a photo image of the powder exposed to the gelatin, create minute "lands" which will remain unetched. Between these "lands", crevices are etched so that they will hold ink.

Known as aquatint for its resemblance to the wash effects of watercolor, this technique greatly expanded the tonal range of etching when invented in the 18th century.

Very fine asphaltum or rosin particles suspended in a box are allowed to rain down on the copper or gelatin in a random pattern. These particles are then fused to the plate or the gelatin over high heat until they melt lightly.

The photographic acquatint, or photographic screen, is simply a positive photo of the powder exposed into the gelatin, after exposure of the image.

back to process