Etching vs engraving, what is the difference? Many of us have heard of the term etching and engraving used interchangeably, but there is one major difference that makes these two processes stand apart.
Made popular in the 14th century, etching was a common artform used to decorate armor. Around 1500 in Germany, many artists were using etching to produce art prints. The most common process was to cover a metal plate (usually copper) in a wax, which was resistant to acid, and draw an image to expose the metal underneath, acid was then applied to “eat away” at the exposed metal which left behind a relief. From there they would roll ink onto the surface and press the metal plate against a piece of paper to transfer the image. This was a novel invention in the 15th century, which later led to printmaking, a popular way to publish information and spread revolutionary ideas.
Meanwhile, engraving was also developed in the mid 15th century, in Germany and northern Italy by goldsmiths. Tools were used to carve away at a surface to reveal an image or design usually done on jewelry pieces which can still be found in existence today. Nowadays machinery, such as diamond rotary tools, can be used to achieve the same effect in a timelier manner. The process that is becoming more commonly seen is laser engraving. Since its first use in 1978, laser engraving has quickly gained popularity and is a go-to method by many large corporations who want personalized items with detailed designs, logos and lettering. Both a rotary tool and laser engraver remove layers of an object to make a desirable design. Laser engraving is preferred by most professionals for its efficiency and accuracy.
Overall, the largest difference between the two processes is engraving is more of a physical method vs etching which is done using chemical erosion. Each has fascinating histories which I encourage you to read more in depth about, the information here barely “scratches the surface” of these historical developments. Both are used to create beautiful works of art and depending on the medium and usage, can last for centuries. Etchings were partially made popular by Rembrandt, who created over 300 in his lifetime. Centuries later, Einstein laid the foundation for lasers when he hypothesized the phenomenon of “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation” which is where the acronym L.A.S.E.R originated from and the principal behind moder laser engravers today. Equally etching and engraving can be seen everywhere you look and used for multiple applications. Here at Etchpress Yourself, we favor laser engraving for its meticulous detail, versatility and environmentally friendly process