Etching Print - Printing Workshop Day 1

For my first Printing workshop, i learnt how to make an Etching print.
To start off this session, we were given a zinc plate to draw around onto a piece of paper, making 6 boxes. In these boxes we were asked to draw designs of something we would like to print, we were given free reign with this and could draw whatever we wanted. I decided to base my designs on the style of mandala art as this was something that i personally liked. Once i had done this, we were told to file and burnish the edges of the zinc plate we were given, so that the sides of the plate would not rip the paper we would be printing on. I filed down the edges by using a metal file and the handle of a spoon, making the edges smooth. After this i had to de-grease the plate, using wire wool and a solution to remove most of the scratches on my plate. After this we were then told to put our plates onto a hot plate and wait until they were hot, which we then applied hard ground onto using a roller.
Whilst we were waiting for our plates to cool down, i had to choose my favorite design that i had drawn, and draw it onto tracing paper, which i then placed over my cool zinc plate and drew back over so that it transferred onto the plate. After this i was to draw back over my design using an etching needle to expose the zinc beneath. Once id done this i stuck tape on the back, to protect it whilst i put the plate in acid. The acid 'ate away' at the exposed metal and after 5 minutes, i removed the plate and polished it with Brasso, to remove the hard ground and then rinsed it in cold water.
My zinc plate is now ready to use to print onto paper.

Health and Safety
Be aware of the sharp point of the etching needle, do not stab yourself.
Wear protective gloves at all times when near the acid.

My design after exposing the metal with an etching needle.

My design ready for printing with.