Light sensitive polymer plates allow for photorealistic etchings.  A photo-sensitive coating is applied to the plate by either the plate supplier or the artist.  Light is projected onto the plate as a negative image to expose it.  Photopolymer plates are either washed in hot water or under other chemicals according to the plate manufacturers' instructions.  Areas of the photo-etch image may be stopped-out before etching to exclude them from the final image on the plate, or removed or lightened by scraping and burnishing once the plate has been etched.  Once the photo-etching process is complete, the plate can be worked further as a normal intaglio plate, using drypoint, further etching, engraving, etc.  The final result is an intaglio plate which is printed like any other.
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==Types of metal plates==
Copper was always the traditional metal, and is still preferred, for etching, as it bites evenly, holds texture well, and does not distort the colour of the ink when wiped.  Zinc is cheaper than copper, so preferable for beginners, but it does not bite as cleanly as copper, and it alters some colours of ink.  Steel is growing in popularity as an etching substrate.  Prices of copper and zinc have steered steel to an acceptable alternative.  Line quality of steel is less fine than copper but finer than zinc.  Steel has a natural and rich aquatint.  Steel is virtually impossible to reclaim though the price and availability make it still more cost effective.
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