Whats the best resource for ink?

I’m just starting to print and curious what folks recommend for ink and where? IThe less fumes the better since my press is in part of my house. Thanks! 

vanson inks, that is the best ink, i used every day….

Hi Heather, When picking ink generally the paper determines which type of ink is best.

Most papers that are absorbant can use any ink ie (rubber base or oil base even acrylic )  The rubber base drys only by absorbtion, no dryer is in the ink formula so it can stay on the rollers many days before it starts to dry up.

 An oil base formula has about 3 % dryers built into the ink so you need to spray the press rollers with an anti skin spray if left overnight or remember to wash up at night. That drier helps the ink oxidize on the paper as it also absorbs into the paper.  

A hard surfaced or non absorbent paper or acetate, foils need a surface oxidizing ink. This ink is designed to bind to the surface of the sheet and not rub off. It takes longer to dry usually at least 24 hours before you start to see top sheet drying in the pile.

You mentioned smell is a factor in my opinion it’s not the inks that smell so much it’s the wash up solution that has the strongest odor.  You might be able to ask the board which wash up solution they perfer I use one called California wash by Varn it does have an odor though.

I would also like to mention I sell inks, my company is MixMasters in Lynn MA. I specialize in Pantone special mixes and even invented a software program called the MixMaster Jr. that does ink formula calculations using excess ink in place of Pantone basic colors to help run a shop more profitable. It’s also greener. My web sites are http://www.mixmasters.com to download the free trial of the software or http://www.mminks.com to see our ink lines and prices. You can contact me at  frank@mixmasters.com if you need anything or have a questions about my ink lines.

I use Spinks Ink. I’ve used Van Son, and I see no advantage or reason to pay more. Spinks is less expensive and works perfectly fine for me.

Vanson: http://www.vansonink.com/

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