Why is Grease Added to the Ground in Printmaking?

Understanding the Ground in Printmaking

In printmaking, the ground is a layer applied to the printing plate before etching or engraving. It serves several purposes:

Protects the plate from the acid or other etching agents
Creates a barrier between the ink and the plate
Influences the quality and texture of the final print

The Role of Grease in Printmaking

Grease is often added to the ground in printmaking to achieve specific effects:

Creating Aquatint: Grease is applied to the plate in a random or controlled manner before etching. The acid bites into the unprotected areas, creating a textured surface that holds ink, resulting in a soft and diffused tonal effect.
Resisting Etching: Grease applied to specific areas of the plate prevents the acid from etching them. This creates areas of the plate that remain untouched and will print as white or light tones.
Facilitating Drypoint: Grease can be used as a lubricant in drypoint, helping the etching needle to scratch into the plate’s surface. This creates delicate and expressive lines.

Choosing the Right Grease for Printmaking

Different types of grease are used in printmaking, each with its own characteristics:

Printing Ink: Regular printing ink is a common choice as it is readily available and provides a predictable result.
Asphaltum: A dark, viscous liquid used to create soft, velvety tones.
Hard Ground: A mixture of wax and asphaltum that is heated and applied to the plate, producing hard-edged effects.
Tallow: A natural fat that resists etching well and creates sharp lines.

Conclusion

Grease is an essential component in printmaking, allowing artists to manipulate the etching process and create a wide range of effects. By adding grease to the ground, printmakers can achieve textures, resist etching, and facilitate drypoint, ultimately enhancing the final print’s quality and expressiveness.

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