Scratchetching

Scratchetching is a coined term used to describe a hybrid mark-making technique that combines intentional surface scratching with subsequent chemical etching to create lines of varying depth and texture. The word blends scratch and etch, and it has circulated primarily in contemporary art and printmaking discussions rather than established curricula or formal methods.

Technique and materials: The method can be applied to metal plates such as copper or zinc, or to suitable ceramic or glass surfaces. A resist or ground is applied, and a sharp instrument scratches through the resist or into the surface to draw a design. The exposed areas are then subjected to an etchant, which deepens the scratched lines and adds tonal variation. Some practitioners scratch directly into a cleaned metal surface before etching, while others remove portions of a ground to create a hierarchy of line widths. The process yields lines with high contrast and textural edges that reflect both the scratching action and the subsequent chemical attack.

Applications and outcomes: Scratchetching is used in intaglio printmaking, mixed-media works, and experimental decorative arts. It allows artists to combine the immediacy of manual mark-making with the predictability of chemical etching, producing images with bold outlines and nuanced line modulation. Safety considerations include proper ventilation and handling of chemical etchants, as well as protection of skin and eyes.

History and reception: As a coined term, scratchetching lacks a fixed, widely accepted definition. It has appeared in online artist communities since the 2010s and 2020s, with practitioners often using it to describe a flexible approach rather than a single standardized protocol. Related terms include engraving, drypoint, aquatint, etching, and scratchboard.