Aquatint

Aquatint is a printmaking technique that creates tone and shading, similar to watercolor washes. Artists apply a resin or acid-resistant ground to a metal plate, then expose it to acid to etch tiny, varied pits. When inked and pressed onto paper, these pits produce gradations of gray and subtle textures. By controlling exposure and acid time, artists can achieve detailed and nuanced tonal effects, making aquatint ideal for capturing complex surfaces and atmospheres. It’s often used in combination with other etching methods to add depth and richer shading to prints.