This is a chine colle* etching with drypoint and aquatint. This plate will go through more changes before the final edition is printed. I used the Z-Acryl Hardground Emulsion for the first time on this print. I had a few issues with the hardground splintering when I was scratching lines into the surface. This only happened in a few small areas and I believe it was caused by hardground pooling near the edges. I was otherwise really happy with the results. I am using Ferric Chloride as the etching solution and instead of purchasing an expensive vertical etching tank I am using a plastic sealable cereal box (available at any large grocery store). So far the acid is staying put and not dissolving the plastic.
My goal is to create as small as an environmental footprint as I can in producing etchings. Ferric Chloride in a liquid form is quite safe but when it gets old it needs to be disposed of properly. The bottom of the solution contains the copper that was etched off of the plate which poses an environmental problem when washed into the sink and eventually into the environment. If you use Ferric Chloride please call your local hazardous waste disposal handler to find a drop off location. In Portland, Oregon please contact Metro (http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24267).
The aquatint in this print was produced with a spray enamel. I hope to stop using spray enamel and convert to the Z-Acryl Hardground Emulsion. This emulsion can be airbrushed onto the surface of a plate, and according to the website, providing really great results. I hope to try this on my next plate and will publish the results.
*thin Hosho paper was glued to thick Murillo paper during the printing process hence the yellow color of the paper
