Etcher Notes on iPhone: Acid Bath Records, Ground Notes & Proofing Observations

Etching is controlled chemical process combined with ink transfer and pressure. The acid concentration that produces a clean, controlled bite at 10 minutes may undercut lines at 15. A hard ground that resists acid cleanly in one temperature may chip or lift in a cold studio. The printmaker who produces consistent, high-quality editions understands these variables — and documents them so each plate's technical history is accessible for re-edition work, teaching, and process refinement.

What to Capture in Nemos

Acid Bath Records For each acid mixture: - Acid type: ferric chloride, Dutch mordant, nitric acid - Concentration: percentage or ratio - Temperature at use - Bite times tested for different line weights - Any addition of fresh acid (stock solution replenishment) - Observation of bath exhaustion over time

Acid records are the core technical record for etching. Consistent documentation explains why plates bit differently across sessions.

Ground and Varnish Notes - Ground type: hard ground, soft ground, aquatint rosin - Manufacturer or preparation method - Application method: roller, dauber, spray - Plate temperature at ground application - Adhesion quality: good, bubbling, lifting - Any resist additives

Ground notes explain adhesion failures and help reproduce successful surface preparation.

Plate Preparation Observations - Metal type: copper, zinc, steel, aluminum - Gauge and supplier - Surface preparation: polishing sequence and final finish - Degreasing method - Any deformities or inclusions noted before work begins

Proofing Records At each proofing stage: - Paper type and dampening approach - Ink type and viscosity modification - Pressure settings - Result: tone, line quality, any problems - Plate condition assessment after printing (wear, scratches)

Proofing records document the path from first proof to finished edition — especially valuable for complex plates that require multiple adjustments.

Edition Production Records At edition printing: - Paper type and lot - Ink formula - Press pressure - Number of impressions before significant plate wear observed - Any plates cancelled at edition completion

Edition records are the production archive for published prints — required for legitimate signed editions.

FAQ

Can I use Nemos offline in a printmaking studio? Yes. Full offline.

Is Nemos useful for mixed intaglio techniques (soft ground, aquatint)? Yes — each technique layer gets its own note entry within the plate record. The sequence of biting, stopping-out, and re-biting is documented as it happens.

Can I attach proofing photos to notes? Yes. Attach proof photos at each stage alongside the technical parameters that produced them.

How do I organize notes for a plate that spans many work sessions? Add entries to the plate note at each session with a date header. The plate's full technical history accumulates in one searchable place.

Related Reading

• /blog/engraver-notes-iphone — intaglio technique and tool documentation
• /blog/printmaker-notes-iphone — print process and edition documentation
• /blog/paper-marbler-notes-iphone — paper preparation and surface documentation
• /blog/conservator-notes-iphone — treatment assessment and material documentation

Sources

• Etching technical references: Printing by Hand by Lena Corwin and Intaglio Printmaking by Marjorie Shelley
• Acid safety and concentration documentation: Printmakers Council technical resources and OSHA chemical handling guidelines

Download Nemos free on the App Store.