Aluminium Etching Plates – Natural Finish

Description

Aluminium etching plates are a lightweight, practical alternative to copper or zinc, offering excellent durability, easy handling and natural resistance to corrosion. Suitable for students, beginners and experienced printmakers, aluminium plates perform well in intaglio, drypoint, engraving and a wide range of traditional techniques. Each plate is precision cut from high-quality aluminium sheet, ensuring a smooth, even surface and consistent thickness for dependable studio and classroom results.

Finish Description – Natural Aluminium

The natural aluminium finish provides a clean, semi-bright surface that is ready for light preparation before use. Artists preparing an aluminium plate for etching can easily sand, grain or polish the metal to achieve the desired surface texture. Aluminium is significantly lighter than copper or zinc, making it ideal for larger format prints or for printmakers who prefer a plate that is easy to transport and handle. Its corrosion resistance also supports repeated use and long-term plate storage.

Popular Sizes & Thicknesses

• A6 (105 x 148mm)
• A5 (148 x 210mm)
• A4 (210 x 297mm)
• A3 (297 x 420mm)
• 600 x 500mm

Available thicknesses: 0.5mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm.
Custom sizes are available on request — simply send your measurements for a quick quote.

Key Features

• Lightweight and easy to handle, ideal for larger plates
• Durable and naturally corrosion-resistant
• Suitable for intaglio, drypoint, engraving and experimental processes
• Semi-bright surface can be textured, sanded or polished to preference
• Free trimming on all shop-listed sizes
• Optional laser cutting for custom shapes and formats

Plate Preparation & Custom Sizing

Plates are supplied face-covered and can be trimmed to your required working size before dispatch. Add your measurements in the trimming instructions box under the size selector. If you need clipped corners, registration marks or specialised plate layouts, visit our Sheet Metal Cutting page.

FAQs – Aluminium Etching Plates

Can aluminium be used for etching?
Yes. Aluminium plates can be used for intaglio and various etching processes. They are especially popular in educational settings due to their light weight and ease of preparation.

What thickness is best for etching aluminium plate?
For most printmaking techniques, 1.0mm–1.2mm offers a good balance of rigidity and easy handling. Thinner plates such as 0.5mm are suitable for lighter work or beginners.

Is aluminium suitable for fine line etching?
Yes. Aluminium responds well to drypoint and engraving, and can achieve detailed work when properly prepared. Its semi-bright surface can be adjusted to suit your preferred technique.

Do you offer custom-cut aluminium plates?
Yes — all stocked plates include free trimming, and we can supply exact custom dimensions on request.