Test Summary
I designed an experiment that would test the Lascaux 2094 Wash resist on a previously etched plate. This determined if the Lascaux will hold onto the etched surface of the copper and if the reticulation effects of the wash ground would remain strong.
Date: April 7, 2010
Researcher’s Name: Maya M. Bajak
Plate Material: .032 Copper
Plate Size: 5 in x 7 in
Plate Preparation
I degreased the copper plate with Bon Ami and water. I poured Z-Acryl hard ground emulsion across the plate’ssurface catching any runoff in a tray below. I air dried the hard ground emulsion for 10 minutes and box dried for another 20 minutes. I created my hard ground drawing using a scribe, etched the copper plate, and printed a proof. Degreased the plate a second time following the standard procedures. Brushed Lascuax 2094 Wash resist into areas and used stop out in portions I did not want reticulation effects. I air dried the completed wash ground and stop out applications for 20 minutes and box dried for another 20 minutes.
Lascaux Wash and Z-Acryl stop out applied
Etching Notes
The plate was etched in a vertical etching tank of Ferric Chloride at 38° Baume.
Timed Application of Mordant
30 Minutes Hardground 25 Minutes Lascaux Wash ground
Removal of Grounds
The grounds were removed using a stripper bath of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and water (100 grams/1 liter). It took 10 minutes to remove the Lascaux ground using a nail scrubber brush.
After Bath Evaluation
The hard ground lines did not interfere with the wash.
Maya’s Etched plate
Inking Methods
Unmodified Graphic Chemical & Ink Co. Bone Black #514 Etching Ink. The ink was carded onto the copper plate with mat board scraps and wiped with used tarlatan.
Paper Type: Hahnemule Copperplate
Paper Soaking Time: 20 Minutes
Press Blanket Setup: Sizing Catcher and Pusher, 8.5 pressure, Small Takach Etching Press
Test Conclusion
It is possible to take a previously etched plate and apply a Lascaux Wash resist without losing any reticulation detail. Also dropping more Lascaux into beaded areas of water on the plate leads to even greater reticulation.
Printed Images
Maya’s Print