etching aluminium from a photograph

[@charalson3023]

I just watched this very informative video - thank you so much! I recently learned to use the solar plate method from Dan Welden and am now obsessed with printmaking😊 Since you didn’t use gloves I assume that the etching solution is not caustic to the skin and can be disposed of outdoors (not down the pipes)? You should do more videos - you have a very easy going nature and ability to explain clearly (and thank you for NOT including the annoying background music!). Would love to see more examples of your work as well. Thanks again from Texas & happy holidays!

[@jonaden9178]

very clear and methodical, easy to watch and learn from, thank you.

[@chrisrobinson34]

Excellent thank you so much for a clear explanation.

[@duchamp303]

Hello, how long altogether did you have the plate in the etching solution? All the best.

[@kravazuta5594]

Cool❤

[@stourleykracklite7663]

Very handsome. Given the plate is not wiped why doesn't the whole plate print black? After all, the entire surface has been rolled with black ink. Thank you.

[@simonwilliams969]

The plate has been etched - so has high spots (where the resist is densest - the dark areas) and low spots where the resist was thin and the metal has been etched away - these areas are lower and so don't come into contact with the inked roller and so remain white :)

[@stourleykracklite7663]

Ah, so printed in relief. Thank you.

[@springarts4022]

Pls send what are the chemical you used i didn't clear, what is the print ? How can it be taken

[@simonwilliams969]

Start with a photograph which can be converted to become monochrome and high contrast, re-sized to fit the plate. Invert it horizontally and print on a laser printer. A 2mm thick aluminium plate is de-greased has parcel tape put on the back side. The laser print is placed toner side to the plate and then nail polish remover is poured over (must be acetone/isopropyl alcohol mix). Leave a couple of seconds for the toner to become tacky. Then with a protective piece of paper between - use a baran (spoon) to apply pressure to stick the toner to the plate. Whilst the paper is still wet, peel off, leaving the transferred toner behind. Add features (eg sky) by applying a vegetable oil resist with a feather. The plate is put into the etching solution of 50g copper sulphate, 100g Sodium Chloride 500ml water. The plate is washed thoroughly and can be inked and wiped to darken the background if needed