Day 1: Friday 3rd July
Photo-etching / preparing digital artwork / using roll-on photo-imageable resist (photopolymer) / etching the plate

This part of the course will provide instruction in how to etch plates using a liquid roll-on photopolymer resist. Images created digitally or photographically (as well as hand drawn images) can be etched into metal plates using both ferric chloride & cupric chloride, much safer alternatives to the traditional acids used previously.

This is an ideal technique for artists who wish to combine photographic or digital images with etching, using new & safer methods.

Day 2: Saturday 4th July
Introduction to acrylic resists / Hard resist for line drawing / Wet Ground for textures / Acrylic Aquatint for tone

This part of the course will introduce participants to a variety of new techniques that replace traditional methods & materials used in etching with much safer water-based products & less hazardous chemicals. Participants will work directly onto the plates, developing their images through various hand-applied techniques.

Day 3: Sunday 5th July
Etching using cupric chloride & ferric chloride / preparing the etchant / etching the plate: copper & zinc

Participants will be introduced to safer etch solutions, eliminating the need to use hazardous chemicals such as nitric acid. They will learn how to prepare & use the chemicals safely. Fully comprehensive notes will list all relevant health & safety and environmental issues.

Day 4: Monday 6th July
Printing techniques (using plates made Days 1-3) / Multi-plate colour printing with registration techniques

Using relatively simple techniques, participants will create striking colour images using the etching technique. The course will encourage experiment, finding out about the interaction of colours during printing and how to exploit these to enhance the etched image.