This turned out a little too dark in the end. I had to airbrush the aquatint on twice since for some reason, the 2nd acrylic masking layer just flaked off. I stupidly dunked it in the Etching solution anyway, thereby bringing the down the tone of the whole lot (except for the already whited out areas). Not sure why the resist didn't stick - a reaction with the Edinburgh Etch perhaps (even though this had been well rinsed off). The 2nd time I applied the spray aquatint after stripping it of any other resist, I tried to get it a bit 'blobbier' for a more open effect, then used Sharpie marker as the resist. Then etched for another minute and a half.
Mostly, I'm quite pleased with this. The very fine aquatint spray does give the effect of a watercolour wash. I actually think I prefer the more spotty and random effect of a heavier spray like in the toner experiment previously. Being an airbrush newbie, it's a bit tricky to judge the flow. I'll get there.
For reference, this is Caligo Sepia ink on Somerset paper. I will be avoiding Hahnemuhle paper since it seems to make the ink run and sticks to the plate. Not a bad paper I'm sure, just not suitable with water based inks.
I have begun noticing as well that the lines that make up the fibreglass backing of the PCB are showing through, only very faintly but could be enough to make me look for sheet copper instead.
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