A technical dictionary of printmaking, André Béguin. Back to Main Page of the "Printmaking dictionary" ground removal Ground removal is usually done cold using gasoline, petroleum or acetone (for cellulose base grounds). Stopping-out varnish is best heated in order to remove it. Selective ground removal can be done with a brush and a mixture of olive oil, turpentine, and lamp black. When this mixture has been on the ground for a few seconds one can easily slide the ground away with the palm of one's hand. Follow up by gently rubbing with a piece of cloth. Any residual grease can be removed with starch. It is thought that this method of removing the ground was invented by the abbot of Saint-Non in the 18th century. Le Prince also used this method in his aquatint work. Drawings on soft ground can also be considered a kind of ground removal technique. [crayon manner].Recently more "non-toxic" products were developed, like Geowash or VCA AIII (available at Polymetaal) Back to Main Page of the "Printmaking dictionary"