ABIG Solid Steel Etching Needle, Round, Slim Point, 140 mm

ABIG Solid Steel Etching Needle – for Fine Lines in Drypoint Etching

The ABIG solid steel etching needle (art. no. 19060) scratches lines into printing plates for drypoint etching and other intaglio techniques. It is round, slim and ends in a long point. The needle is made of steel hardened throughout and can be resharpened when needed. This is useful when the point becomes blunt over time.

At 140 mm long with a shaft 8 mm in diameter, it sits in the hand much like a thick pencil. According to ABIG, the plastic sleeve on the handle gives you a better grip while you work.

Working with the etching needle

In drypoint etching, you scratch the drawing straight into the plate with the needle, with no acid bath at all. Hold the needle at a slight angle, like a pencil. For deeper, stronger lines, go over the same line several times rather than pressing hard. As you scratch, the point raises a fine burr along the edges of the line. This holds the ink when you ink the plate and produces the soft, velvety line in the print that is typical of this technique.

Slim point for detail

The long, slim point is suited to fine lines, hatching and small details. For coarser structures or a different handle shape, ABIG offers further etching needles with other points.

ABIG etching needle 19060 product details

• Manufacturer: ABIG, art. no. 19060
• Material: solid steel, hardened throughout
• Shape: round, slim point (long point)
• Length: 140 mm
• Shaft diameter: 8 mm
• Handle: with plastic sleeve
• Weight: approx. 40 g
• Contents: 1 piece

You will also need: a printing plate, e.g. zinc or copper, as well as printing ink and an etching press for printing.

The point is very sharp. Put the needle down safely after use and keep it away from small children.