I prefer oil based ink, I will use mineral spirits to wash up the ink and go on press with another color. Rubber base ink can remain open on press without drying but I clean mine up when finished printing, personal preference.
Simple green spray bottle works really good for cleaning off the grim, wear gloves. Yes, after you’ve removed the grim then apply rust removal (use gloves, mask, and well ventilated area).
Rollers: Advanced Roller, (951) 272-3010, office@advancedroller.com and you order trucks from them also.
Ink: Oldham Ink Group, kbooth@oldhamgroup.com, (817) 554-0041. Talk to Kurt, I’ve been buying oil based ink from them for the past 12 years.
Mixing Ink: Your Uncoated Pantone book will show the mix in parts (left side) and percentages (right side). I use a digital scale for cooking to measure the ink. I’ll set the weight to grams and use the percentage for the Pantone color to mix the ink. Example: Pantone 151 Orange is 75 g of Pantone Yellow and 25 grams of Pantone warm red. Oldham can mix your inks but mixing your own will save time and money.
Rust: Navel Jelly from hardware store for rust removal and a Scotch Bright green pad.
You’ll get other advise but this has always worked for me.
Casey
Inky Lips Press
I’ve used Oldham Ink for 10 years, great customer service. Tell them Inky Lips Press was the referral and your using the ink for letterpress printing.
Ask for Kurt or Deborah
4333 Cambridge Rd
Fort Worth TX 76155
United States
When I’ve sent out files for film to make photopolymer plates I instruct the output bureau the line screen needed. There are tutorials on converting image files in Photoshop to halftones.
I use 8oz paper cups and label the PMS color with a Sharpie. The ink stays good for a long time.
For wood type I suggest Rob Roy Kelly’s book on wood type. For metal type check out American Metal Typefaces
