Engraving is a type of fine art that has many different techniques, although the principle of obtaining an image is almost the same: a special stamp is made with which the image is applied to any material.
The appearance of engravings in Europe dates back to the 15th century. It was during this period of time that typography began to develop actively, and in order to simplify the illustration of books, they began to use prepared stamps. Engraving helped to apply fonts, images and other additional elements of text decoration. Japanese engraving gained popularity in the 18th century, and Spanish in the 19th century. Today, the engraving is very diverse, has many techniques and styles, it is experiencing its rebirth.
Currently, many are fond of this ancient art form and achieve excellent results. Engraving, made from start to finish, will become an exquisite decoration of your home. Various materials can be used to create the stamps, although metal is considered classic. In addition to it, wood, stone and even wax can be used. In addition, engravings differ in the materials used, which are printed.
The oldest type of engraving is woodcut. The first printed images on wooden boards appeared in China in the sixth century. Currently, the concept of "engraving" has become much broader. This method of creating labels or images using prints is used not only in the printing house, but also in many other areas. For example, a sample of metal on jewelry or a logo image is also a print. Paper notes are also decorated with engraving. It is amazing that even a child can handle such simple images.
The easiest way to do your own engraving is done on paper. You will need a smooth, thick cardboard or whatman paper. The main tool can be a regular clerical knife and a hard roller. Cut the future image on cardboard. Then, on a different sheet of paper, roll out the paint using a roller, and you need to use the one that dries longer. Next, paint from paper is applied to the cardboard form. Now you need to take a sheet of paper, which is superimposed on top of the form, and cover it with a press (when engraving is done with your own hands, a sheet of dense plywood is most suitable). Then several times with effort, go through the press with a roller. The print on paper is your engraving.
At the beginning of the 16th century, the first etching appeared (1513).
This is an engraving on copper. Later, zinc, sometimes iron plates began to be used, which were coated with acid-resistant varnish. The history of this craft keeps many recipes for such varnishes, but at the heart of all of them were wax, mastic and asphalt. The master works with etching needles of different thicknesses. With their help, the pattern in the varnish is scratched. Then the surface of the board is filled with acid. The metal is etched only in those places where the needle completely cut the layer of varnish. After this, the board should be washed well with water. The varnish layer is removed with turpentine or alcohol.
DIY engraving made at home or in the workshop will not only be an adornment of your home. You will be fascinated by the process itself, and perhaps you will become involved in this matter more often.