It is impossible for human beings to thrive without the printing industry. A number of methods are utilized for creating different images from a hard surface, a metal plate, and also a flat surface in the world of print development at present. Several of these methods consist of etching and engraving. In this article, we will discuss the topic: what is the difference between etching and engraving?
What exactly is etching?
Etching is considered to be the art of producing an image using acid which helps to remove the mental unlike cutting the metallic surface using a tool. Most typically, a wax coating is used in the form of a ground that is resistant to the acids which are being used. Following this, the image is drawn through the wax by making use of a pointed metal. Next, acid is being applied carefully to the surface which is guided by the lines that have been drawn through the wax thus producing lines of various depths.
The line’s softness which results from the work done by the acid along with the simple needle strokes together produces an appearance resembling a drawing made by a fine pencil.
You’ll come across different types of etching at present including water etching, glass etching, laser etching, soft-ground etching, dry etching, gravure etching, sugar lift etching, and so on.
What exactly is engraving?
Engraving is actually a printmaking process where a sharp plus pointed tool is being used by the artist (known as burin) for cutting lines into a metallic surface and this process is referred to as incising. Following this, the metallic plate is going to be inked and the ink will be forced into the grooves made with the help of the burin and then the plate is going to be pressed. This procedure can be done with the help of the machine or manually and is primarily employed for making jewelry, guns, and silverware.
What is the difference between etching and engraving?
- The nature of engraving and etching
Engraving is considered to be a printmaking process where a sharp plus pointed tool is being used for cutting lines into a metallic surface. On the other hand, etching is considered to be the process of making an image using acid which is used to remove the metal.
- Physical effort required
Less physical effort is required for performing etching since the design is been drawn by the etcher through the wax. On the contrary, more physical labor will be required for engraving since a tool is being used for cutting into the metal.
- Object size
While engraving is usually used for large materials, etching is appropriate for thin materials and smaller projects.
- Materials used
While engraving can be used for any material such as plastic, metal, wood, or stone, etching is appropriate for only the metallic surfaces.
Conclusion:
In spite of being used for almost the same purpose, the process of engraving and etching can be somewhat different. The method to select depends mainly on the availability of skill, the type of metal to be used, the preferable outcome plus the option of using either a chemical procedure or a physical process.