The Water Soluble Hardground

Z*ACRYL HARDGROUND EMULSION is an acrylic polymer solution that is resitant to all commonly used etchants.  By eliminating the peripheral equipment, ventilation systems, solvents, and solvent storage required with asphaltum-based grounds, Z*Acryl HGE is profoundly safer and more economical.  HGE is applied by simply flowing the ground down the face of the etching plate.  It is self-leveling, and dries to a thin film in minutes.  Thus, it is not only the simplest ground to use, but its extraordinary film-formation allows for the finest line work imaginable. The simplicity of this ground makes it possible even for novice printmakers to create ideal resists.

Below are two examples of hardground images from students in a Beginning Etching class at Ohlone College in Fremont, CA.   The detail on the left is enlarged 100%.  Unfortunately, the 72 dpi resolution with which you are viewing this does not adequately demonstrate the sharpness of the lines or the crisp roulette-made dots.

1. CHASING THE WIND.(detail).  Etching. Randy LaGro          2.  UNTITLED (detail). Etching.  Gretchen Hill

THE ROSIN FREE AQUATINT

Z*ACRYL HGE is the first hardground emulsion that may be applied by means of an airbrush to create superb aquatints.  Simply pour the HGE directly into the reservoir bottle, attach it to the brush, and spray!  The airbrush affords exceptional control over the density and character of the "dot pattern".  While the ease of application makes it possible for the beginner to create ideal aquatints on their first attempt, more experienced etchers will appreciate the opportunity to explore tonal gradations and combine fine and coarse grounds on the same plate in a single etch.  The fineness of an HGE aquatint is unmatched by conventional rosin.  When used with Z*ACRYL STOP OUT RESIST (which is a more viscous solution of the HGE), the whole process is water-soluble and non-toxic, and it dispenses with the hot plate, respirator, aquatint cabinet, and solvents required of rosin aquatints.

Below are two examples of HGE aquatints.  Ms. Apgar is a professional artist, however the print below was her first attempt at an aquatint, created in a Beginning Etching class at Ohlone College in Fremont, CA.