Spitbiting

Spitbiting, or spit-bite etching, is an intaglio printmaking technique used to create soft, tonal shading on a metal plate. Unlike traditional line etching, spitbite aims for atmospheric areas of tone rather than crisp outlines. The technique involves applying a dilute acidic mordant to a plate that has been prepared with a ground or rosin, so that the bite occurs only where the artist applies the solution. A distinctive feature of spitbite is the use of a carrier—historically saliva, water, or a brush loaded with the solution—to control how deeply and where the plate is bitten. The resulting tonal areas can resemble washes and are valued for their smoky, irregular textures.

Process and effects: The artist coats a copper plate with an etching ground and then exposes or paints areas to receive bite. In spitbite, a weak acid solution is applied selectively, often by hand, to dissolve the ground and bite the metal in a controlled manner. The tone can be built up gradually through repeated applications, producing a range of grays and subtle gradations. Spitbite can be used alone or in combination with traditional etched lines to integrate drawing with tonal areas.

History and use: Spitbite has a long history in intaglio printmaking and is associated with artists seeking rich, atmospheric shading. It has been used by printmakers in the 17th through 19th centuries and remains relevant for contemporary practitioners who value its distinctive textures. Because it involves corrosive acids and, in some historical practices, saliva as a carrier, it requires careful handling and ventilation.

See also: Etching, Aquatint, Intaglio.