THE USE OF ACRYLIC PLATE IN INTAGLIO PRINTMAKING: AQUATINT

Abstract

       The aim of this research paper is to propose findings of experiments carried out with alternative processes using acrylic plate in Aquatint, which is a process that produces tonal effects in the Etching printmaking category. The benefit of the acrylic sheet for this matter is that it is one of the most readily available materials on the market, affordable, weather resistant, and with proper weight and density when used as printing plate. By hand spraying a solution from the mixture of Screen Filler and plain water as antisolvent ground and the use of dichloromethane as a solvent to dissolve the surface of the acrylic plate, the effect comparable to the use of traditional metal plate aquatint can be achieved. As a result, this alternative process can reduce complex workflows, reduce the amount of materials used in related processes, reducing the use of potentially harmful chemicals, and eventually leads to cost effectiveness, making it possible to apply it to printmaking education and also benefit the art society further.