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.
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.
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 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 Transparent Base without affecting its consistency.
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.
The ink does not contain dryers. Drying time will vary depending on the amount of ink used and the absorbency of the paper as well as climate. Typically a light coat of ink applied to absorbent paper will take two hours to dry; heavy coats applied to hard surfaced paper may take two weeks or longer. Glossy or coated papers are not recommended.
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.
NEW MODIFIER
Akua Oil is a highly refined, archival, soy-based,
water-mixable modifier. It rolls out clear and can be
cleaned up with soap and water. Use with Akua Intaglio
and Akua Kolor inks. It can be used in several ways:
- Roll a thin coat on a monotype plate before brushing on an image and Akua Oil acts as a release coat
- Mix into Akua Intaglio ink to stiffen the consistency. Use for intaglio printing and roll-ups that require a stiffer ink
- Print a layer of Akua Oil on top of a finished print to deepen colors and add a satin finish