research: safer printmaking
Part of the mission of Zea Mays Printmaking is to research new developments in safer and less-toxic printmaking. Our goal is to find materials and processes that can replace solvent-based, toxic printmaking techniques while maintaining quality.
Each research project sets out to discover the best practices for a particular technique, product or formula. The research was done by Zea Mays Printmaking interns, under the supervision of Liz Chalfin, the studio’s director.
In this glossary you will find definitions to the most important print terms.
Here you can find a comparison between traditional print practices and the safer alternatives used at Zea Mays.

Non-Conventional Aquatint

Sandpaper Aquatint with BIG Ground

Aquatint using an Acrylic Spray

Lift Ground with Watercolor Masking Fluid