Which technique involves scratching through a layer of paint to reveal the underlying layer?

• A. Dry brush
• B. Sgraffito
• C. Wash
• D. Impasto

Answer: (B)

Scratch-through technique reveals the layer beneath by removing part of the top coat. This is sgraffito. The artist lays down a layer of paint in one color, then, with a sharp tool, scratches away portions of that top layer to expose the ground or a contrasting color underneath. The result is crisp lines and a striking contrast that adds drawing-like detail to the surface.

Other techniques work differently: a dry brush employs a nearly dry brush to skim the surface and create a rough, textured mark without revealing underlying layers. A wash uses a diluted paint layer to achieve transparency and soft tonal areas, not subtraction of layers. Impasto builds up thick, textured paint for volume and surface ridges, not revealing what lies beneath.