This innovative range of oil-based inks can be washed away with liquid soap and water, without the need for harmful and often more expensive solvents. Ideal for printmakers interested in a safe and non-toxic alternative. Caligo 'safe wash' inks are available for both relief and intaglio printing. Contains a small percentage of driers (less than 1%).
Caligo Safe Wash Relief Inks are suitable for all types of relief printing, for example, linocut, woodcut, wood engraving, photopolymer and letterpress.
Safe Wash Inks are oil-based, this means you can still use many of the modifiers used with traditional inks. For example you can use Magnesium Carbonate / Talc, Cobalt / Manganese Driers, or Caligo Wiping Compound / Tack Reducer etc.
We also stock Caligo Safe Wash Oil - a washable oil that you can add to any ink from the Safe Wash range when you need to thin your ink a little.
How to clean Safe Wash Relief ink from rollers, plates, etc.:
- Remove excess ink with a pallet knife or dry rag
- Apply the soap neat or only slightly diluted over the inked area with a rag, sponge or brush. Add a little more water, rework and rinse. Remove excess water with a damp sponge or paper towel etc. Typically a dish soap (AKA “washing up liquid”) will perform very well, as will laundry detergents. Hand washes may perform well (especially ones for heavy soiling), but there are a great many varieties on the market which can have all kinds of miracle properties, moisturisers etc. which may influence how it performs
- Don’t use hot water… Use lukewarm or cold water
