Etching is the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into hard metal surfaces. There are a variety of different etching techniques that have been used throughout the centuries, with goldsmiths and other metal workers known to decorate metal objects like guns from the middle ages. etching stainless steel is one of the more popular etching techniques used in the 21st century, with people etching patterns, images, and messages into a range of different stainless steel objects. Some of the most popular methods of etching include aquatint etching, soft ground etching, relief etching, PCB etching, and photo etching. Photo etching uses the process of photo chemical machining to create photo realistic images on a metal surface. A variety of different materials can be used, along with a variety of images and designs.

In a pure etching process, a particular metal such as copper, zinc, or steel is covered with a waxy ground which is resistant to acid. The craftsperson involved in the process then scratches off the ground with a needle and exposes the bare metal. While the type of metal being used affects the overall look and feel of the finished product, this process is much the same for all materials. While etching stainless steel and other substances is probably the most popular of all intaglio techniques, the process of engraving has also been widely used to create art and other beautiful items. Intaglio is also known as relief, a technique that is used in sculpture to create the impression that an image has risen above the background.

The processes of etching and engraving have advanced a long way from their medieval roots, and are still used today to create beautiful objects that inspire. The process of photo etching is used a lot in the 21st century, as a way to create detailed images onto metal surfaces. Photo etching can also be combined with engraving and other intaglio techniques, and has a highly regarded final look that is hard to match with other forms of etching. Whether you want to have a piece of jewellery engraved, a sports medal etched, or a photo put onto a stainless steel backing, the processes of etching and engraving are very much alive today, and have advanced well beyond their humble roots.