Akua Intaglio
Originally formulated for intaglio printmaking, this ink can also be applied with a brayer for relief printmaking, monotype, and collagraphs; and it will print from any plastic, wood, linoleum or metal plate. NOTE: Use an absorbent, toothy paper like Japanese handmade paper for relief prints, since the ink does not contain dryers.
Akua Intaglio is made using pure mineral water in a thick soy base, and is strongly pigmented with the same light fast pigments used in Akua Kolor inks. It is water fast after it dries on the paper, but will counter-proof well while fresh. Akua Kolor inks will tint the Akua Intaglio Inks and Transparent Base without affecting its consistency.
Akua Intaglio is much tackier and stiffer than Akua Kolor ink and needs no modification to be rolled out with a brayer. As with oil based inks, better coverage and richer colors will result when this ink is printed using a press.
Akua Intaglio prints beautifully on many dry papers, eliminating the possibility of paper shrinkage and making it ideal for printing multi-registered plates or combining prints with digital inkjet or letterpress images. It works just as well on dampened paper.
Akua Intaglio will never skin over or harden in the jar.
When used on intaglio plates, Akua Intaglio wipes off cleanly, while plenty of ink remains in the grooves, resulting in sharp, high-contrast prints. Tarlatans can be washed and used again and again, or use inexpensive cheesecloth instead; it works just as well if not better than tarlatan.
If you are using this ink for relief printmaking, keep in mind that the ink does not contain dryers plus it dries by absorption down into the paper instead of evaporation into the air (as linseed oil-based inks do). Drying time will vary depending on the amount of ink used and the absorbency of the paper. Think in terms of several light coats of ink instead of one heavy coat and allow the ink to absorb into the paper between coats. Adding Akua Intaglio Transparent Base to the ink also helps it to dry because it introduces more binder into the ink. One light coat of ink applied to unsized, absorbent paper like Hosho or Mulberry will take about two hours to dry. Hard, glossy or coated papers are not recommended. It is a good idea to do a few test prints on the paper you plan to use before printing an edition.
Like Akua Kolor, non-toxic Akua Intaglio cleans up easily with soap and water. There is no need for expensive ventilation systems, fireproof containers, or toxic solvents. While the ink can be used on acid etched copper intaglio plates, for completely safe and non-toxic intaglio printing, try using it with Solarplates or Resintaglio plates.
Akua Intaglio is non-toxic and a labeled, approved product conforming to ASTMD-4236.