A technical dictionary of printmaking, André Béguin. Back to Main Page of the "Printmaking dictionary" Aluminium or Aluminum This metal is rarely used in engraving although it can be worked with tools and bitten with mordants. In the latter case the plate is first grounded and then worked with an etching needle in much the same way as other etchings. The lines exposing the aluminium plate are then tilled with a very diluted solution of mercury bichloride. There are also reports that aluminium can be etched with ferric chloride. [Edinburgh etch].Biting with this mordant is carried out over a period of a few minutes. The plate is then abundantly washed down with water and dried. [attacking agents , metals]. Back to Main Page of the "Printmaking dictionary"