This very simple process doesn’t need chemicals, just sunlight and tap water. Though pioneered in Oz, it will work in normal Birmingham daylight. After the image is placed face down on a purchased light sensitive plate, either in a glass clamp(supplied) or on the light-box, and exposed to ultra-violet light for a period of minutes varying on the light strength, the plate is washed in tap water, and the emulsion will wash away where the lines were, i.e sunlight will have hardened the unprotected plate where no drawing was.

Dried and hardened again, the etched plate is inked up intaglio ( ink is rubbed into the lines) and proofed on an etching press. The plates are very hard wearing, and many prints may be made.

Solar Plate by Anne Crews