Traditionally, to create an etching, a metal (e.g. copper, zinc or steel) plate is covered with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, a coating made of asphaltum, rosin, beeswax, and tallow. An etching needle is then used to scratch through the ground, exposing the metal plate in a design of the artist's choosing. The plate is then dipped in an acid bath; the ground protects the parts of the plate untouched by the etching needle, and the metal is eaten away by the acid in only those places exposed by the artist's design. Once the design has been etched, the remaining ground is removed and the plate is inked. Excess ink is then wiped from the plate, and the plate is placed in printing press with a sheet of paper.

Light sensitive polymer plates later allowed for photorealistic etchings (sometimes referred to photo-etchings). To create a photo-etching, a photo-sensitive coating is applied to the plate, and light is projected onto the plate as a negative image to expose it. Photopolymer plates are finished in either a hot water or chemical bath.