Soft varnish

First used for etching in the 13th centuryThe soft varnish is later replaced by hard varnish, which is considered convenient to use. However, its popularity was revived in the 20th century, thanks to Stanley William Hayterwhich appreciates its granular and supple appearance.

The soft varnish is acid-resistant, does not dry or harden. It allows you to take impressions of objects and draw lines through a sheet of paper. The plate is filed down and then the surface is smoothed. The soft varnish is melted and then applied to the plate.

After penetrating the soft varnish into the plate, materials are placed on the plate. These will give the final work a particular texture according to the artist's choice, who may use fabric, wool, string, etc.. The plate is covered with a sheet of paper and then passed under the press to print the texture. A varnish is then applied to the areas where the artist does not wish to engrave.

The plate is immersed in the bite. The duration of this process depends on the desire to obtain more or less deep cuts and a more or less dark result. It is possible to trace other marks with pen or cotton swab before putting the plate back in the bite.

The soft varnish is carefully removed, part by part. The plate is inked and wiped, then the first print is printed. Then the plate is coated with varnish or resin to finalize the image.