Introduction

The printmaking technique of intaglio was developed about 500 years ago and has until recently been used by artists with the almost original materials. The traditional materials are oil-based varnishes and grounds which are made from asphalt, resin or tar and contain organic solvents. Some of these can cause health problems.

Meanwhile alternative methods were developed by several printmakers, which allow the artist to work with less toxic materials. Here we are presenting a system which uses acrylic grounds and photopolymer film.

These new methods have made it possible to work with not just the classical techniques of intaglio such as hard and soft ground, etching and aquatint, but also with combinations and experimental techniques.

Also, there is the possibility of combining these techniques with the photopolymer film which offers the transfer of paintings, drawings, copies or computer printouts to the copper plate using a photomechanical process.

For printing the traditional oil-based etching inks are still used. Plates and tools are cleaned using salad oil so there is no need to use organic solvents for that. It is important to follow some safety instructions, because in this system too there are some harmful substances used like acid and soda, and also acrylic grounds contain organic solvents.

Copyright 2006 Eva Pietzcker and Miriam Zegrer