FEATURE
Hard ground
A traditional technique in etching. After degreasing the surface of the plate, hard ground is rolled over the surface.
TECHNIQUE
Hard ground
A traditional technique in etching. After degreasing the surface of the plate, hard ground is rolled over the surface.
Hard ground is made of a mixture of asphaltum, resin and beeswax. It is used to coat the surface of the etching plate, and is resistant to acid. The ground is softened and spread in a thin layer onto copper, zinc or steel. The ground is heated on a hot plate, and can be rolled or dabbed across the surface to make an even coating.
An etching needle is traditionally used to draw into hard ground, revealing a fine thin line, but other ways to make marks include abrading or scratching with non-traditional tools like drill bits or wire wool. Hard ground can also be wiped away or painted with different solvents for more organic shapes.
More printmaking techniques
Carborundum
Abrasive carborundum grit (silicon carbide) is mixed with acrylic medium or glue and painted onto a flat surface, such as plastic or metal.
Lithography
An image is painted, drawn or stencilled onto a slab of limestone or a metal plate (often aluminium) with oily materials, including greasy crayons and pencils, special ink called tusche, and photochemical transfers.
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In May 2024 we ran a Crowdfunder appeal to raise £10,000 for two new presses and improvements to the studio. We are thrilled to say that we exceeded our target with donations of over £11,500.