A metal plate is dusted evenly (or unevenly) with finely particulate resin. The plate is then heated to melt the resin to the surface. Biting the plate with acid creates a fine, rough texture on the plate. Before biting, the artist may use asphaltum to block areas that will print clear; after biting, the artist may use a burin a to smooth areas of the plate, lightening them for printing.
wikipedia.org dumped 2003-03-17 with terodump