Akua Intaglio Ink was originally formulated for intaglio printmaking but it can also be applied with a brayer for relief printmaking, monotype, and collagraph. It will print from any plastic, wood, linoleum or metal plate.
Akua Intaglio is a soy-based ink which is made with high quality lightfast pigments. The inks have a thick consistency with minimal water content and contain no toxic driers for a longer working time. If any Akua Intaglio colour is too stiff to roll out straight from the tub, a little Akua blending medium worked in with a palette knife will soften the ink for applying with a brayer or roller. To stiffen a soft ink you can add Akua Mag Mix. There are a number of Akua modifiers designed to manipulate the inks for a wide spectrum of techniques.
The ink cleans up easily with a dry rag followed by soap and water. Inexpensive washing-up detergent can be used. Never use toxic solvents. Prints can be re-soaked immediately after printing if handled carefully. Once the print is dry, Akua Intaglio is permanent. Ink will never skin or harden in the jar or the ink slab, meaning minimal ink is wasted. Wiping the plate with Akua Intaglio is easier than oil-based wiping ink, meaning you need to spend less time cleaning up.
