In 1998 in collaboration with Lascaux Paints & Restauro we set out to create a new generation of materials which printmakers could use to explore classical etching techniques safely and creatively. The resulting range of Lascaux acrylic resists, hard resist colorings, lift solutions and and some tools which can be used to apply the materials to etching plates are illustrated in the photo. From top right clockwise, Lascaux Hard Resist, White coating for Hard Resist, Black coating for Hard Resist, Stop-out Resist, small set of the resists, Lift Solution, Resonance Gouache Paint which can be used as a lift solution, Soft Resist, Wash Resist, Plate-backing Resist and Spray Aquatint resist.

Square ended flat brushes (such as the black and gold Prolene Plus brush seen bottom right) are ideal for applying smooth even layers of resist. A range of tonal effects (aquatints) can be generated by applying aquatint resist with an airbrush or atomiser. Brushes and tools can be cleaned with soapy water, dried acrylic resist becomes waterproof and highly acid resistant. Dried resists are removed from the plate after etching with an inexpensive household cleaner such as Mystrol or Lascaux Remover.

The etched plates made using these acrylic media cannot be distinguished from plates or prints made with traditional resists made from bitumen, rosin, waxes and solvents. The plates may be inked up with oil-based or water-based intaglio inks.