A neutral calcium carbonate ground to a fine powder. This is an ingredient in gesso and traditional paints such as distemper, and often used as a substitute to pounce powder. This recipe is recommended to make your own gesso: (25% whiting, 25% rabbit skin glue and 50% water).

In intaglio printmaking whiting powder has a number of applications including plate wiping and plate degreasing. Mixed to a gloopy paste on the plate with ammonia or white vinegar, it is completely non-abrasive and will remove dirt and greasy finger marks prior to applying acid-resistant grounds and stop-outs. For more information take a look at the PDF below: