360. The Object Of Etching Patches In The Background

The Object Of Etching Patches In The Background. The object of etching patches in the background is merely to train you in the proper manipulation of the etcher. By using a plain film surface, such as a plain white background, which is quite opaque in the negative, you can see the effects of your work more distinctly; you can readily observe when you are shaving the film lightly or heavily; you have a larger surface upon which to practice blending; and you can also more readily observe when the knife is scratching, or is not working smoothly. In other words, this instruction is prepared merely to give you practice with the manipulating of the etching tool, so that you may learn to control the blade so as to produce any effect of softness or harshness you desire, thus preparing you for the following instruction, in which we deal with the various portions to be etched.

361. Etching Knife Scratches

Etching Knife Scratches. If the etching knife scratches and does not shave the surface of the film smoothly, the trouble is due to one of two reasons: The knife has not been properly sharpened, or you did not hold it properly when working. The remedy for these is covered in the two following difficulties:

362. Cannot Properly Sharpen Etching Knife

Cannot Properly Sharpen Etching Knife. There is but one way to sharpen an etcher in order to secure a perfect edge - one that will shave the surface of the film and not scratch it. To properly sharpen an etcher a very fine oil-stone should be provided, and a drop of oil placed on it. Instead of attempting to sharpen the blade of the etcher as you would an ordinary knife or razor, you proceed more in the manner of sharpening a chisel, applying one edge of the blade only to the stone. Never touch the other side of it. If a circular motion is used to sharpen the blade, apply slight pressure on the blade as you push from you, and no pressure as you draw it toward you. By following this method any feather edge which may be formed will be immediately turned under, and not drawn out, as would be the case if you bear heavily on the knife when drawing it toward you. The first essential consideration for proper etching is a well sharpened etching tool with which to work. Even the most expert retoucher would experience

great difficulty in working with a poorly sharpened knife, while a well sharpened instrument in the hands of the beginner will assist him very materially in its manipulation.

363. Holding Etching Knife

Holding Etching Knife. The proper position in which to hold the etcher is that similar to the one employed when using a razor. The blade must be almost perpendicular to the surface of the negative. It is not intended that you should cut the film - you must simply scrape it. By holding the blade almost perpendicular with the film, and drawing the blade toward you, it will shave the film nicely. To tip the top of the blade from you as you draw it toward you will cut the film and not shave it. To lean the top of blade too much toward you will result in scratching the film. The exact angle at which to hold the blade will depend to some extent upon how it is sharpened. After a little experience you will soon detect the right angle at which the blade works best. Bear in mind that the film of the negative is only about 3/1000 of an inch thick, and that the slightest touch of the knife to it will produce an effect of some kind, even though very minute. A single stroke of the etcher on the film may show no perceptible change, but by repeated strokes a slight thinning away of the density should be visible.

364. Applying The Etcher To The Exact Place To Be Worked

Applying The Etcher To The Exact Place To Be Worked. It is sometimes difficult, especially with the beginner, to place the knife on the right spot for commencing the work. When beginning the work always tip the blade slightly toward the point and start with the point first, and gradually tip back the blade so as to obtain a wider shaving of the film. By this means you can work very close to the edge of any object you wish to work upon. After a little practice you will find a certain portion of the curve in the blade can be used just as accurately as the point. This can be obtained by practice only, and for your first work it is advisable to start with the point of the blade, and gradually curve back as you proceed with the work.