INTAGLIO PRINTMAKER SKIN
INTAGLIO PRINTMAKER PROFESSIONAL

Fortunately these days, there are many safer alternatives available which help to keep the inhalation of fumes and contact with harsh solvents to a minimum. While traditional turpentine and white spirit are often used in printmaking studios to clean plates and ink slabs at the end of an oil based printmaking session, they emit heady fumes and can easily cause dermatological and respiratory issues. Once settled add more sodium carbonate solution until no further fizzing occurs and the solution is neutralised. To neutralize an Edinburgh Etch or ferric chloride solution, gradually add a strong sodium carbonate solution to it (1:1 soda crystals to water).

Your local authority may then allow disposal down the drain if the neutralised solution is highly diluted, although you must check before you do so. Ferric chloride or Edinburgh Etch can be neutralised by adding soda crystals.

The safest way to dispose of exhausted etching solutions is to take them to a chemical disposal company. The addition of sodium chloride (table salt) improves the performance and longevity of the etching solution It is particularly effective on zinc, and does not require aeration or heating.Ĭopper sulphate solution alone will etch zinc, albeit slowly and the solution will exhaust itself fairly quickly. This is known as the Saline Sulphate etch. 1997), known to be the safest and best perfoming etchant for copper plate, brass and steel – but again, this is relative, and protective goggles and gloves should still be worn when handling.įor salt etching zinc, aluminium or mild steel, a solution comprising copper sulphate and sodium chloride mixture in equal parts can be used. It can be used with citric acid to make ‘Edinburgh Etch’ (© F.K. Ferric Chloride is sold as a solution which may require further dilution with water in very specific quantities, depending on the metal.

INTAGLIO PRINTMAKER SKIN

Brown in colour, the solution will darken with use, turning muddier over time, eventually appearing greenish black once exhausted.Īlthough it is safer than acid, care should still be taken to avoid contact with skin and eyes protective clothing and goggles should be worn when mixing and decanting ferric or when etching plates.

INTAGLIO PRINTMAKER PROFESSIONAL

Also known as Perchlorate of iron, this solution emits far less hazardous fumes than many acids, and can be used in a professional printmaking environment, as well as in an artist’s personal studio.įerric chloride, sometimes referred to as iron perchloride, is not in fact an acid but a corrosive salt.

Ferric Chloride is used in the solution instead. However metal salt etching offers an alternative, safer method of biting into brass and copper plates. Ntiric acid or potassium chlorate (sometimes referred to as Dutch Mordant) is traditionally used to bite into the lines drawn onto the metal etching plate. These plates can also be used for monotype and are recyclable. This comparatively safer method of printmaking is often an introduction to the world of intaglio, and a precursor to an exploration into etching. For those who feel a little apprehensive about the chemicals required for etching, Jackson’s transparent plates are ideal for drypoint etching, which involves scratching into a plate with a sharp etching tool. If you are using traditional aquatint techniques, then a FFP3 mask (or above) is recommended. Goggles are also necessary for protecting your eyes from any inadvertent splashes of either acid, salts or solvents. Nitrile gauntlets will protect you from solvents and mordants, while lighter weight nitrile gloves or barrier cream can prove invaluable when inking your plate. Below we list some of the stages of intaglio printmaking that require particular care, and suggest ways to make them safer.Īt the very heart of etching is the use of corrosive materials to bite into a metal plate, and so in all cases, it is vital to protect your skin and your eyes. There has been an enormous development in safer printmaking materials, and many printmaking studios around the world have adapted or developed to work with safer procedures. While it is difficult to use totally non-toxic materials, an awareness of health aspects while printmaking will allow you to make informed decisions on the materials that you use. The term ‘non-toxic printmaking’ has become synonymous with the search for safer printmaking practices and techniques that have a less harmful environmental impact.

Intaglio printmaker