Step 1: Define the tool and its process. An Aquatint Box is a large, enclosed box with a crank. A metal plate is placed at the bottom, and powdered rosin is agitated by the crank to create a dust cloud. This dust settles evenly on the plate.
Step 2: Connect the process to a technique. The rosin-dusted plate is then heated to melt the rosin, creating a porous, acid-resistant ground. The plate is then etched in acid. This entire process is known as aquatint.
Step 3: Categorize the technique. Aquatint is a method for creating tonal areas in an etching. Etching is a primary technique within the Intaglio family of printmaking.