These high quality inks feature pigments ground with the utmost precision and inspected for quality at each stage of the production process. These inks are consistently of the same high quality batch to batch, year to year and colour to colour. Both rubber based and CML oil based inks have a much higher density of pigment than many other commercially available inks. This makes the printed colour denser and more vibrant.
CML oil based ink dries by oxidation and can be used on all papers. It is the most popular general purpose ink. It can be thinned with thin plate oil to reduce viscosity.
RB ink is formulated using a rubber base and offers advantages for schools and colleges over the oil based types. Rubber based inks dry by absorption and can only be used on waterleaf and absorbent cartridge type paper. When used with very absorbent paper a thin film of ink sets and dries very quickly (seconds). However, when overprinting one colour onto another drying times will be extended. It is recommended that a drier be used here to shorten drying times. RB ink is more economical than tube inks as it does not skin in the can so there is no wastage.
Tinting medium, also referred to as ‘extender’, is a transparent ink available in both RB and CML formulations which can be added to other colours to produce a more transparent colour. Some artists also use tinting medium to make their own inks, by adding pigments or oil paints to it.
Tack reducer is added to ink to make it less sticky and can be used to prevent the paper sticking to the printing plate.
Cobalt drier can be added to RB ink to speed up the drying time.
Anti-skin can be sprayed on the surface of open cans of CML to prevent skinning and reduce wastage.
PRINTING INK – RUBBER and OIL BASED (for relief and intaglio prints)
