The Various Modes of Engraving on Copper and Steel-Plate
There are many kinds of engraving on steel and copper for the purpose of printing by the copper-plate press. We will specify those principally in use and indicate their chief characteristics; afterwards, some further explanation may be necessary. It may be here stated that the various processes are of such a technical nature that it would be impossible in a short compass to explain all the details of execution; we may, however, refer those who desire to pursue the subject further to an excellent little handbook (price one shilling) published by Winsor and Newton,2 which, as stated in the preface, will, by means of any of the modes of engraving on copper therein treated of, enable anyone “skilled in pen and ink drawing to reproduce their designs with greater delicacy and added depth of effect.” Other books on the subject there are, of greater cost, as Hamerton’s splendid work, but for the amateur the handy little manual just named is an admirable guide.
To one skilled in drawing, and with some leisure and enthusiasm for the work, Etching offers a delightful field for the exercise of the artistic mind. There are no technical difficulties that may not be surmounted by care and patience. The few tools and necessary appliances are not of a costly nature, if we except the copper-plate printing press.
There are different kinds or methods of engraving, the six principal varieties of which need only be considered, namely:—
(1) Line Engraving.
(2) Etching.
(3) Soft-ground Etching.
(4) Aquatint Engraving.
(5) Mezzotint Engraving.
(6) Stipple Engraving.
The distinctive features of all copper-plate and steel-plate engraving consist in this, that the lines or strokes composing the design are cut or ploughed into the surface of the metal with a fine tool termed a graver, etched or corroded out with acid or by other means. A Print is obtained by filling the lines so made with a special ink composed of a drying oil and colour-pigment. During the process of inking the plate is kept warm, the superfluous ink being wiped off with a coarse muslin rag, and made perfectly clean. The plate, placed in the travelling bed of the copper-plate press, is covered with a sheet of paper slightly damp; on turning the press, it is subjected to such pressure as forces the paper into the lines; by this means the ink is transferred to the paper, and the result is an impression or proof.