Photoetching

Photo etching processes use light sensitive polymer plates, and these produce photorealistic etchings. To produce a photo etching, a photo sensitive coating is applied to the plate. The plate is then subjected to light. The photo etching plates are then washed either in hot water, or various other chemicals in accordance with the manufactures instructions. Parts of the photo etching image can be stopped out, so that they do not appear on the final image on the plate. When the photo etching process is finished, the plate can be further worked, as a normal intaglio plate, by etching or engraving etc. The final photo etching is an intaglio plate which can be printed like any other. Some of the metals used for photo etching plates are as follows: Zinc, Copper and steel. Etching is also used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.