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Printing presses in DCA Print Studio

Introduction to Etching

Duration: Two-week evening class
Dates: Wed 28 Jan 18:00 - Wed 4 Feb 2026 20:30
Location: Print Studio

Learn the basics of etching over two evenings.

Explore a variety of processes and leave with a small edition of prints. This class is suitable for people who want try out the basic etching process using small plates. 

You will learn how to prepare a metal plate for etching by filing and polishing, then applying a wax hard ground to the surface for drawing onto. A copper sulphate solution is used to etch the designs on the plate. 

You will spend time learning how to prepare the paper and ink up the plate to produce a small edition of prints using different colours of ink and Chine Colle.

Very interesting and informative. Tutor very knowledgeable and covered topic very well.

Great workshop! Learned a lot and had a good time.

Print Studio Terms & Conditions

Please ensure you've read the Print Studio Terms & Conditions before you book.
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Need to know

  • What to bring

All materials will be provided but please bring along sketchbooks, drawings or any images that you would like to use as reference/inspiration. If you’re not confident about drawing, then you can trace from a photograph. We can scan, photocopy or print out images for you.

  • What to wear

We'll provide aprons and gloves but recommend wearing old cloths as printmaking can be messy. Please note that open-toed footwear and sandals are not allowed in our Print Studio.

 

  • Food & drinks

A sealed water flask or drinking vessel is permitted but other food and drinks are not allowed in the studio.

Meet your tutor

Man stands smiling beside a worl of art

Bruce Shaw

Bruce graduated in 2009 from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art Dundee with a BA/Hons in Fine Art. He now works as a self employed artist from Wasps Studios in Dundee, focusing his practice on printmaking and drawing. He also facilitates workshops within the community.
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