What Is Lascaux Tusche Wash Spray
Lascaux Tusche Wash Spray is an aerosol version of Tusche Wash, formulated to be applied by direct spraying onto transparent supports used for hand-made positives and photoliths. This format enables a more spontaneous approach, generating grain, dispersed marks, fragmented washes and irregular tonal transitions.
Compared to brush-applied Tusche Wash, the Spray introduces a more gestural and atmospheric language, reminiscent of airbrush techniques, widely appreciated in contemporary printmaking.
How Tusche Wash Spray Behaves: Grain, Dispersion and Atmosphere
Controlled spraying
Spray application allows control over grain density and tonal intensity depending on distance, pressure and number of layers.
Organic granular texture
Spraying creates irregular particles that translate into visible grain and organic patterns, ideal for breaking flat areas or adding visual noise to a positive.
Layered applications
Multiple successive layers can be built up to increase tonal density while preserving textural richness.
Post-application intervention
Once dry, the tusche can be combined with:
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scratching
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abrasion
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liquid Tusche Wash
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dry or wet tools
This greatly expands expressive possibilities.
Main Applications
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Screen printing positives: grain, atmospheres, textured backgrounds, wear effects, spray marks.
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Lithography and related techniques: atomised effects difficult to achieve with traditional tools.
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Photogravure and photopolymer: plates with depth and tonal richness.
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Artistic offset and zincography: introduction of graphic noise and autographic texture.
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Creative cyanotype: soft spray effects for painterly positives.
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Experimental techniques: combinations with masks, resists, liquids and abrasives.
Advantages Over Other Photolith Methods
Compared to opaque pens
Allows working with large areas, grain and atmospheres, not just lines or flat shapes.
Compared to brush-applied Tusche Wash
Introduces a different visual language: more spontaneous, fragmented and gestural.
Compared to digital photoliths
Not dependent on digital halftones or resolution: results are organic and manually controlled.
How to Use Lascaux Tusche Wash Spray
1. Shake thoroughly before use
Proper homogenisation is essential to ensure even spraying.
2. Protect the working area
Spray application creates dispersion; work in a ventilated and protected space.
3. Apply onto transparent support
Recommended:
Adjust distance to control grain.
4. Build up layers gradually
Apply thin layers, allowing drying between coats.
5. Intervene if desired
Combine with:
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liquid Tusche Wash
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scratching
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abrasives
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masks or resists
6. Expose
Test exposure times:
