Technical specification of Lascaux Plate Backing Resist (#2091) and user's instructions

85 ml bottle

Composition Based on acrylic copolymer.

Lascaux Plate-backing resist has been specially designed as part of the acrylic-resist etching system. This new generation acid resist is painted onto the back and the edges of etching plates to protect the metal from the action of the mordant.

Properties

Lascaux Plate-backing resist is water-soluble, ready to use, non-toxic and suitable for use on copper, brass, zinc, steel and aluminium. This red coloured resist is highly acid-resistant, durable and scratch-resistant. It may be used on unbitten or previously etched (e.g. aquatint, deep open bite) and is compatible with the other Lascaux resists and photopolymer resists such as ImagOn, Puretch, DK-film and Photec. The resist may also be used to create a variety of effects on collagraph plates (see Collagraph data sheet for details).

Directions

Plates should be prepared, grained, degreased and dried before the Plate-backing resist is applied by brush (follow the detailed information provided in the technical sheet for Lascaux Hard resist). After the first application of resist has been dried a second coat may be applied. Drying the resist: The plate can be laid flat to dry naturally or dried with a warm air fan in a horizontal drying cabinet. The resist becomes touch dry quickly and when it is fully dry the plate may be etched.

Applying the resist:

The objective is to produce an even, thin coating on the plate. Work on a clean workboard in an area with good light. The plate should be prepared, backed, dry and cold. Position the plate on a sponge (or sponges) so that it is raised up from the surface of the workboard. Shake the container well to distribute the waxy content. Squeeze a small amount of resist into a clean china or glass palette. The type of brush used is important as a coarse brush will lay down a ridged layer or a layer with gaps. A synthetic brush such as a 2’’ (5 cm) Prolene brush made by ProArte is ideal and should be kept for applying resists. Before painting on the plate paint a brush stroke onto a clean sheet of paper to check that the brush is clean. This resist is designed to be quick drying so the painting process should only take a few minutes.

Drying the resist:

The plate can be laid flat to dry naturally or dried with a warm air fan in a horizontal drying cabinet. The resist becomes touch dry quickly and when it is fully dry it is ready to colour, draw into or etch.

Resist removal:

The resist is water-soluble and can be cleaned from brushes, tools, palettes, plates and surfaces with warm soapy water before it dries. Dried resist can be removed by immersing the plate in a tray or tank of Remover for ten minutes. The plate is removed from the tray and the weakened resist is immediately rubbed from the plate surface (the solution should not be allowed to dry) with a brush or non-scratch knitted type plastic cleaning pad pad (gloves should be worn). The plate is then rinsed in warm water and examined for any remaining resist. The process may be repeated until the plate is clean. If other resists are to be applied the plate should be degreased. Dried resist on palettes can be removed by peeling or soaking in hot water. Brushes with deposits of dry resist can be soaked in Remover, washed in soap and then thoroughly rinsed.