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	GRAPHICS	PRINTMAKING ETCHINGPAGES 1 2 3
		Various forms of intaglio printing have also been part of the Kinngait Studios’ approach, including copper engraving and etching. In etching, the impression is made by pushing the paper into inked depressions and recesses in a metal plate. First, an acid-resistant substance called a ground is applied to the surface of the plate. The artist then draws the image through the ground using an etching needle. The entire plate is then immersed in an acid bath, so that the drawn areas exposed by the needle are etched or “eaten” into. Finally, the remaining ground is removed with solvent, and the plate is prepared for printing. In printing, the inked plate is laid face up on the flat bed of the etching press, and dampened paper is placed on top of the plate, covered by several layers of felt blankets. This is run through the press, compressing the felts which forces the paper into the inked grooves on the plate, thereby transferring the drawn image to the paper. Aquatint is a method of etching tonal areas into the plate. This technique is often used in conjunction with linear etching or engraving.