How to Draw the Human Form on a Copper Plate

Etching is an advanced art technique that should only be attempted by seasoned artists. Etching has been used for centuries as a method for printing and an art form all its own. Follow the steps below when drawing a human form on a copper plate.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ferric chloride
• Copper sheet
• Household ammonia
• Tupperware container
• Etching needle
• Steel tongs
• Waxy ground
• Latex gloves
• Safety goggles

1. Sketch out the design primarily on paper. A human form is such a detailed subject that it even the best artists do not free hand on the copper plate.

2. Cover the copper plate with the ground. Ground is a waxy acid-resistant matter.

3. Draw the form onto the copper plate with an etching needle. The acid eats away at the metal where the wax ground resistant is being etched away, creating dimension in color for the picture.

4. Submerge the plate completely in acid using steel tongs. Do this in about 1/2 to 3/4-inch of ferric chloride in a Tupperware container. Check it regularly since it can take anywhere from one to twelve hours to etch completely.

5. Wash the plate well with water for several minutes to remove all of the acid. Rinse with household ammonia before rinsing some more with water. Use turpentine to remove all of the last bits of ground residue. Dull sharp edges with sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use safety goggles and latex gloves when handling acid.
• Leave the acid solution sitting safely out of reach of children and animals.