It has been discussed the process of electrolytic etching of metals and possibilities of its application to welding technology. The attention has been drawn to such process parameters as: potential difference, current density, electrolyte temperature, electrolyte stirring and polishing time as well as to their influence on the metallographic specimens quality. The procedure of preparation of metallographic specimens to the electrolytic etching process has been described. It has been indicated also the necessity of application of appropriate equipment which will provide stability of etching process parameters. Selected results of electrolytic etching of welded joints and parent materials have been presented.