LIFT GROUND and Spray-on Hard Ground

  1. Mix som etching ink with olive oil to
    the desired consistency.

  2. Paint it on with a brush or write with it
    with a pen directly on the copper plate.

  3. If the medium is fluid, congeal it in the
    refrigerator for a few minutes.

  4. Place the plate horizontally in the
    aquatint cabinet and spray it from all
    sides with a spray-on hard ground.*

  5. The plate must be hardened approx.
    20 minutes in the drying cabinet.

  6. Place the plate in a tray with lukewarm
    water and lift the hard ground
    using a brush.

  7. Remove the etching ink in the lifted
    areas by meas of salad oil.

  8. De-grease the plate with scouring
    cream and Soya Sauce.

  9. Rinse in running water, dab the plate
    in a newspaper and dry it.

  10. Spray on aquatint and harden it 20
    minutes before etching the plate.