Description
BIG Etching Ground: The Safe, Versatile Choice for Printmaking
Available Sizes: 75ml and 120ml
Colours: Black & Red
About BIG Etching Ground
In the realm of printmaking, the traditional etching ground has been a go-to for its proven effectiveness. However, it comes at the cost of using toxic elements like arsenic, lead, and mercury, posing a risk to both health and the environment. With BIG Etching Ground, you don’t have to make that compromise.
Unlike other “safe alternatives,” BIG preserves both quality and practicality, offering a non-toxic solution without any trade-offs. Their unique formulation, the heart of which is ink-based, allows for immense versatility. It’s the etching ground that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Endorsed by the Pros
Since 2002, BIG has been the choice at the School of Art at the University of Aberystwyth, and has been widely adopted in private and educational print workshops globally. Trefeglwys Print Studio offers comprehensive courses on all the techniques achievable with BIG.
Unmatched Versatility in One Product
With BIG, your creative possibilities are limitless. Techniques include but are not limited to:
- Soft Ground
- Hard Ground
- Photo Etching
- Marbling
- Relief Etching
- Sandpaper Aquatints
- Coffee Lift
Colour Your Creativity
Choose between black and red based on your needs. Red is excellent for tracing your sketches, while black reveals inscribed marks with better contrast.
How To Use BIG: A Step-By-Step Guide
Preparing the Plate:
- Bevel the Edge: Do this not just for the traditional reasons, but to preserve your roller.
- Degrease: Use vinegar and a touch of whiting. Ensure all whiting residues are removed. Use newsprint to dry the plate, avoiding chlorine deposits.
Application:
- Portion Control: Squeeze a small amount onto a glass pallet. Spread it with a pallet knife.
- Roll It Up: Use a high-quality roller. Apply vigorously for an even, eggshell appearance. Rotate the roller occasionally for uniform coverage.
Special Treatment:
- For a soft ground: Proceed to etch.
- For a hard ground: Bake the plate. Oven, hot plate, or a cardboard box setup can be used. Ideal settings are 135C for 6 minutes. Adjust as needed but avoid overheating.
Additional Tips:
- Sketch with a soft pencil like a litho pencil No. 1.
- Corrections can be made with a permanent marker or BIG stopout.
- Allow to cure for 30 minutes after cooling before biting the plate.
Removal:
- Polish with Brasso or use a non-toxic stripper like Home Strip.
Interested in unleashing your full printmaking potential with BIG? Purchase from our shop today.
Discover BIG. Discover endless creative possibilities.
