The best replacement for etching is engraving.

The best alternatives to etching are rated as following:
★★★★★  engraving
★★★★  lithograph
★★  epoxy primer
★  sandblasting
★  laser engraving
  frosting
  vaser hi def
  lithography
  drypoint
  engraving glass
  wine bottle engraving
  plasma etching
  dry etching

Your alternative for etching is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about etching, one probably shouldn't forget about aquatint.

Other search terms related to etching and their ratings are:
★★★★★ aquatint
★ vinyl
★ muriatic acid and peroxide
You have in mind a companion for etching and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of etching in all years. Click on graph for more.
etching
engraving
lithograph