tHE cHEMISTRY OF aCRYLICS

All acrylic resists consist of acrylics and polymers in a more or less liquid form and with water as solvent. They acquire the qualities that make them suitable for intaglio during the drying and hardening process: The separate polymer particles, contained in a liquid resist, begin to coalesce as the water evaporates. Eventually they will be bound solidly together in a long, single polymer chain, creating a very tough substance which is durable as well as completely acid resistant. Acrylics that have been brushed, poured or sprayed onto a clean plate bind so tightly to the surface of the plate that the ferric chloride is unable to work its way under the edges along the eroded metal. If necessary, the acrylic coating can be left on the plate during printing. As long as acrylics are fluid, they can easily be cleaned off  brushes and surfaces with soapy water, only becomming waterproof when fully hardened. Dry acrylic residue can be removed with a solution of washing soda and water.

Many acrylics dry very quickly, but the drying and hardening period can be further shortened by using a drying cabinet. This method also increases its durability. When one needs to clean a plate, it is placed in a photo tray containing washing soda and water. The etching grounds are easy to prepare for their intended purpose, and the necessary ingredients are easily obtained. In many cases they are manufactured for domestic use. Consequently, they are often much cheaper than products conventionally used by printmakers.

Our website contains updated Safety Data Sheets for all the products used.

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