Description
J Hardground Non-Toxic Etching Ground (16 oz)
Introducing a revolutionary product J Hardground Non-Toxic Etching Ground. This innovative hard ground provides a safe and effective alternative to traditional solvent-based hard grounds for etching.
Features You'll Love:
- Non-toxic Formula: Say goodbye to harsh fumes and hazardous solvents. Our hard ground is water-based, making it safe for artists of all ages and experience levels.
- Exceptional Adhesion: J Hardground provides a reliable and durable hard ground that adheres firmly to your etching plates. Create intricate designs with confidence, knowing your ground will resist lifting or chipping.
- Easy Application: Enjoy smooth and even application with our ready-to-use formula. No heating or mixing required. Simply apply a thin layer to your plate and allow it to dry for a crystal-clear, hard ground surface.
- Solvent-Based Hard Ground Replacement: J Hardground offers a comparable level of resistance to acid, making it an ideal replacement for traditional solvent-based hard grounds. Achieve professional results without compromising your health or the environment.
- Versatile and Convenient: Ideal for use on a variety of etching plates, including copper, zinc, and steel. Its convenient liquid form allows for easy application using brushes, rollers, or even a simple dip method.
Embrace the future of etching with a product designed for both safety and performance. Order your J Hardground Non-Toxic Etching Ground today and experience the difference!
How to use the hardground
Prepare the etching Plate. Cover the back of the plate you intend to use with a plastic coating. This will protect the back of the plate from the ferric chloride etchant when it is immersed. Ferric Chloride is the safest etchant to use.
The front of the plate is prepared by beveling the sides to a nice rounded rim. This will reduce tearing of the paper and reduces risk of cutting on a sharp metal edge. Run some water of the plane. Then tilt the plate slightly you will see the water bead up and roll randomly, instead of “sheeting” down its face. Using a household cleanser and scratch resistant sponge, thoroughly degrease the surface of the plate, paying particular attention to the four corners and edges. Rinse the plate completely and repeat the process with salt and vinegar to chemically clean the plate even further. I recommend covering your hands with gloves to stop putting oils from your hand on the plate as well. Rinse with water and dry.
Applying the Hardground Emulsion
J Hardground comes with a dispensing cap. Have a clean plastic tray so you can recapture the excess hardground from the pour. Place your plate in the tray along one side so it is standing up. Then start the pour of the hardground onto the top corner of the plate, move along the plate and down the plate to make sure the plate gets covered in a continuous pour. This results in a nice clean sheet of hardground on your copper plate. Lift the plate up on both sides of the plate and place on a surface that is easy to clean. Be careful not to disturb the edges. The hardground will gather on the bottom lip of the plate and if you move it a couple of times every few minutes it reduces the build up on hardground along the edge.
Allow the plate to dry at least 30 minutes. I prefer to late the plate rest over night simply to make sure the surface is not tacky when you do your line work.
The excess hardground can be added back to the original bottle with a funnel. This is where keeping the tray clean becomes important. If it is not clean, small dust particles can be introduced to the hardground and show up the next time you use it. Introduction of dust particles will not give you a nice clean surface to work with.
Removing the Hardground Emulsion
Once dried the Hardground will be water-resistant enough to stand up to any etchant solution, and the plates can be rinsed without harm to the ground.
Common household ammonia and water (a 50% or stronger mixture) will re-solubilize the ground and completely remove it in seconds. Even safer, the ground can be stripped by soaking in a bath of Sodium Carbonate and water (50 grams per liter), or use a spray bottle of the solution and the hardground
