electro - etching
at large:
two plates of like metals positioned parallel to one another submerged in a electrolyte solution with a supply of direct current
electrolyte solution - about equal parts kosher salt and distilled water; using table salt and tap water may work but presents the potential for unknown variables
plate one: perforated sheet of copper
plate two: copper hanger (thin strip of copper folded at the top to hang on cross bar) with etching plate adhered via packing or screen printing tape
This design uses motorcycle jumper cables, banana clamps, and a small (yet larger than needed) basic generator to supple the direct current needed
a closer look:
The electrolyte solution allows the current to pass freely between two plates, if the plates are of different metals this action will fail to take place. The two metal plates, one of which is your etching plate, have opposite polarities. Your etching plate gets adhered to a metal hanger together making the positive anode. The other plate, a negative cathode, is a perforated sheet of the same metal, the perforation is nessecary for the current to pass between the two plates. Electrolytes consist of positive metal ions and negative sulfate ions. With a direct current these electrolyte ions are encouraged to adhere to the metal plate of opposite polarity. Once attracted, the ions react with the exposed metal of their partnering plate beginning a process of oxidizing. The negative sulfate ions will eat away at the scribed marks on your etching plate, while the positive metal ions will snack on the perforated cathode.
1/1
untitled botanical specimen, root plate #6
al la poupee electro-etching om Canson
2022
Etching is a process of printing that involves the transfer of ink from a metal plate to a sheet of paper. This process can be achieved with a variety of metals, but the most common metal used is copper.
Here is a detailed break down my etching process:
special thank you to Spudnik Press where this footage and print were made
The time and consideration etching asks of the printer is what attracts me to this process. Electro-etching offers me all the things I love about traditional etching while allowing the process to be re-contextualized to contemporary practices.
Tank made in collaboration with Danny Miller, former head of the SAIC Printmedia Department. Thank Danny for all your have taught me. Follow him on instagram
@youmademerealize
WARNING: 10 VOLTS OF ELECTRICITY WILL ALLOW HYDROGEN TO FORM ON THE CATHODE AND OXYGEN ON THE ANODE MAKING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN EXPLOSIVE REACTION.
Printmedia’s history of processes and development is just as rich as any other art form, and there is just as rich a history in the search for greener print alternatives as there is in traditional methods. Electro etching arose from this desire to stray from toxic chemicals in printmaking.
In a contemporary context electro etching can be thought of in relation to jewelers and other metalsmiths. This method of removing metal in specific areas is an excellent tool for engraving designs or text.
Please visit the website Nontoxic Print for more information about this process, in addition to other printing methods.
shaping
sawing
filing
sanding
polishing
buffing degreasing
applying ground
scribing
etching
removing ground
registration
pressure
inking
wiping
soaking paper
passing
dry under weight
please visit tools and studio space for the resources I use in my etching process
As always, my etching practice is constantly ebbing and flowing, so please check back for updates or subscribe to stay in the loop with all things ething
fictional botanical specimen
electro-etched plate
adhered to the copper hanger via screen printing tape
(combined making the anode)
with oxidization in the bite