“This vertical saves space in my studio. It is a smart design with easy pour funnel and lid.”
-Margaret Harvey,
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a closer look.
Conrad Machine offers the best vertical etching tank for your printmaking studio. Designed to safely use any etchant including ferric chloride, this tank only uses 80% of the studio space as compared with a traditional horizontal etching tank.
Conrad Vertical Etching Tank Design
So Efficient. So Smart.
Our tank is an ideal alternative to the horizontal bath-style trays commonly used in etching studios. Its design advantages are immediately apparent. As compared to a typical acid tray, the Vertical Etching Tank uses 80% less studio space, and has 95% less of the exposed area for evaporation.
Even full, our tank can be safely moved around the studio. By comparison, bath-style trays are nearly impossible to empty or move without significant spillage.
Durable Material
This rotationally molded, seamless Vertical Etching Tank is made from 1/4 inch-thick polyethylene and is unbreakable and leakproof.
Built-in Pour Funnel
An extended drip ledge, which makes removing plates from the tank safer and mess-free.
Large Capacity
Large capacity which allows two full 18″ x 24″ plates (or many smaller plates) to be etched simultaneously.
Form-fitted Lid
The snap-on, form fitting lid inhibits evaporation. The vertical design which not only saves space and reduces evaporation, but encourages the use of the safest, longest lasting, and most precise etchant–ferric chloride.
Standing Base
A separate stand that is 20″ long, 9″ wide, and 12″ high which provides exceptional stability.
The standing base allows you to place the tank securely on any tabletop surface. You can also remove the base to mount the tank inset into a tabletop surface.
Conrad Etching Tank Materials
Strong. Leakproof.
The Conrad vertical etching tank is built for long-term, worry-free use in the studio. It’s constructed from 1/4″ thick polyethylene, a material known for its strength, chemical resistance, and durability.
This heavy-duty construction makes the tank virtually unbreakable under normal use. It won’t crack, warp, or weaken over time, even when exposed to the harsh chemicals commonly used in etching.
Just as important, the tank is completely leakproof, giving you confidence when working with acids and solutions. The solid, seamless design ensures everything stays contained, helping keep your workspace clean and safe.
It’s a rugged, reliable build that’s made to handle real studio conditions—day in and day out.
Vertical Etching Tank Advantages
It Just Makes Sense.
Less Studio Space
A vertical etching tank takes up far less floor space than a traditional horizontal bath. Instead of spreading out across a large area, it stands upright, making it much easier to fit into smaller studios or crowded workspaces.
Less Evaporation
Because the opening at the top is smaller and more contained, there is significantly less surface area exposed to air. This helps reduce evaporation of acids and solutions, keeping them more stable and extending their usable life.
Easy Fill Funnel
Vertical tanks are designed with convenient top access, often allowing you to use a funnel for clean, controlled filling. This makes it easier to add or change solutions without spills, mess, or the need to handle large open trays.
Compatibility
Compatibility with all commonly used etchants.
Conrad Vertical Etching Tank Specifications
One Size Fits All.
| Etching Tank Specifications | Dimensions |
| Tank size: | |
| Tank thickness: | 1/4″ thick molded polyethylene |
| Plate Size Capacity: | 18″ x 24″ plate size |
| Tank Capacity: | 4 gallons |
| Compatibility: | Ferric chloride & all commonly used etchants |
Get a Conrad Z*Acryl Vertical Etching Tank
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Upgrade your studio with a Conrad vertical etching tank—built for durability, cleaner operation, and efficient use of space. With its leakproof construction and easy handling, it’s the reliable solution for modern etching workflows.
Choose your size and make the switch today—order your Conrad vertical tank and simplify your etching process.
Shop Etching Tanks NowWhat Is a Vertical Etching Tank?
A vertical etching tank is a specialized container used in intaglio printmaking to etch metal plates by submerging them in an acid or mordant solution while held in an upright (vertical) position. Unlike traditional horizontal trays, where plates lie flat in the solution, vertical tanks suspend plates so that they are evenly exposed to the etching medium on both sides.
This design improves the consistency and efficiency of the etching process, making vertical etching tanks a popular choice in modern printmaking studios, universities, and professional workshops.
The Purpose of a Vertical Etching Tank
The primary purpose of a vertical etching tank is to create controlled, even etching on metal plates. In intaglio printmaking, etching involves using acid to bite into exposed areas of a plate, forming recessed lines that will later hold ink.
Key functions include:
- Uniform Etching: Ensures consistent exposure to the mordant
- Efficient Material Use: Requires less solution than large horizontal trays
- Cleaner Results: Reduces sediment buildup on the plate surface
- Improved Workflow: Allows multiple plates to be etched simultaneously
By holding plates vertically, the tank allows gravity to help remove debris and bubbles, resulting in cleaner, more precise etched lines.
How a Vertical Etching Tank Is Used
Using a vertical etching tank involves several steps:
1. Preparing the Plate
The metal plate (usually copper or zinc) is coated with an acid-resistant ground and drawn on to expose areas for etching.
2. Filling the Tank
The tank is filled with an echant, such as ferric chloride or nitric acid.
3. Inserting the Plate
The plate is placed vertically into the tank, secured in a slot or holder.
4. Etching Process
The acid reacts with the exposed metal, creating recessed lines.
5. Monitoring Progress
The artist checks the plate periodically to control the depth of the etch.
6. Removing and Cleaning
The plate is removed, rinsed, and prepared for printing.
This process can be repeated or adjusted to achieve different effects.
Printing Styles and Techniques That Use Vertical Etching Tanks
Vertical etching tanks are used in various intaglio printmaking techniques, including:
Etching
The most common use, where lines are bitten into the plate.
Aquatint
Creates tonal areas by etching a textured surface.
Soft Ground Etching
Captures textures and impressions from materials placed on the plate.
Hard Ground Etching
Produces precise, controlled line work.
These techniques rely on controlled chemical reactions, which vertical tanks help manage effectively.
Advantages of Vertical Etching Tanks
Vertical etching tanks offer several important benefits:
- Even Etching: Reduces uneven biting caused by sediment buildup
- Cleaner Lines: Gravity helps remove debris from the plate surface
- Space Efficiency: Takes up less workspace than large trays
- Reduced Chemical Use: Requires less mordant
- Multi-Plate Capability: Can etch several plates at once
These advantages make vertical tanks a preferred option in many studios.
Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Etching
Here is a short list of the main differences between a vertical etching tank and a traditional tank:
- Orientation: Vertical tanks hold plates upright; horizontal trays lay them flat
- Sediment Flow: Vertical tanks allow debris to fall away, while horizontal trays may trap it
- Chemical Efficiency: Vertical tanks use less solution
- Visibility: Transparent tanks allow easier monitoring
These differences highlight why many printmakers prefer vertical systems.
Safety Considerations
Working with etching tanks involves chemicals, so safety is essential:
- Use Protective Gear: Gloves, goggles, and aprons
- Ensure Ventilation: Prevent inhalation of fumes
- Handle Chemicals Carefully: Follow proper procedures
- Dispose Responsibly: Follow environmental guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vertical etching tank used for?
Vertical etching tank is used to etch metal plates in intaglio printmaking using acid or mordant solutions.
What materials are etching tanks made of?
Typically, vertical etching tanks are made from acrylic, polypropylene, or other chemical-resistant plastics.
Why use a vertical tank instead of a horizontal tray?
Vertical tanks provide a more efficient way to etch your plates in the printmaking process.
Is a vertical etching tank safe to use?
Yes, with proper safety precautions such as protective gear and ventilation.
