What is aquatint primarily used for in printmaking?

Aquatint is primarily used in printmaking for adding tonal effects to prints. This technique allows for the creation of various textures and shades of gray by using a powdered resin that is dusted onto a metal plate and then heated. The resin creates a series of small dots or pits that are resistant to acid. When the plate is immersed in an acid bath, the exposed areas erode away while the resin protects others, resulting in a variety of tonal ranges.

This versatility in producing tones distinguishes aquatint from other printmaking techniques, such as etching, which typically focuses on creating defined lines rather than gradations of shade. Aquatint also contrasts with methods like relief printing, where the raised surfaces create the image, and continuous textures are not the primary focus. Thus, aquatint's unique ability to render rich tonal effects in a print setting confirms why it is best recognized for this purpose.