What is a scratchboard?
I use pre-made Ampersand Scratchbords (Black) and Ampersand Clayboards.
Below is an explanation of what a scratchboard is.
Step A.
A scratchboard starts off as just a hardwood board.
Step B.
The hardwood board is then coated with a thin layer of Kaolin Porcelain clay.
At this point it's a Clayboard. The clay is colored upon or has inked applied by the artist.
A sharp instrument is then used to scratch through the ink, thus revealing the white.
At this point it's a Clayboard. The clay is colored upon or has inked applied by the artist.
A sharp instrument is then used to scratch through the ink, thus revealing the white.
Step C
The layer of clay is coated with a thin layer of Black India ink. Now it is a scratchboard. The artist scratches off the black ink revealing the white clay. I explain to people that I'm scratching in the Highlights instead od the "darks" like you would with a graphite drawing.
Shades of gray can be achieved by how much ink is removed or by applying an ink wash. The ink wash can be scratched back though to reveal the white once again.
Shades of gray can be achieved by how much ink is removed or by applying an ink wash. The ink wash can be scratched back though to reveal the white once again.
Tools of the Trade
I usually use multiple tools on a board. My favorite tool is a #11 blade Scalpel. I also use x-acto knifes.(pictured on the left) But...I also use other more unique tools. Steel wool, Sandpaper, emery cloth, sanding pads, wire twisty ties, wire brushes, women's nail buffers (also known as a NBT, Nail Buffer Thingy), tattoo needles...anything that has an abrasive quality can be used. The sky is the limit and exploring those limits is half the fun.