The Great Printmaking Ink Debate:
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based vs. Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks
MaryisContrary.com
The Great Printmaking Ink Debate: Water-Based vs. Oil-Based vs. Safe wash oil-based inks in Printmaking
If you’re a printmaker, you know that ink is the lifeblood of your craft. It’s the medium through which your creative visions come to life on paper. But when it comes to choosing the right ink for your projects, you’re faced with a crucial decision: water-based ink, traditional oil-based ink, or Safe wash oil-based inks. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of printmaking inks and compare and contrast these three popular choices.
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Understanding Water-Based Inks
Water-based inks are made primarily of water, which makes them environmentally friendly and easy to clean up. Here’s a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of using water-based inks:
Advantages:
- Eco-Friendly: Water-based inks are considered more environmentally responsible because they contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to oil-based inks. This means they release fewer harmful chemicals into the air during the printing process.
- Safety: Water-based inks are non-toxic and safe to use, making them a preferred choice for artists and printmakers concerned about their health and safety.
- Easy Cleanup: Cleaning up after using water-based inks is a breeze. All you need is water and soap, which reduces the need for harsh solvents.
- Vibrant Colors: Water-based inks can produce vibrant and transparent colors, making them ideal for projects that require a wide color spectrum.
Disadvantages:
- Drying Time: Water-based inks tend to dry much faster than oil-based inks, which can be a drawback when you need to produce multiple prints. Sometimes the ink can dry on the plate and it requires cleaning the plate in the middle of printing.
- Texture: When starting to print, many times beginners will add too much water-based inks to the plate causing the ink to be caked on and can flake off.
Water-based Ink Choices:
Here is my favorite water-based inks to use for beginners:
Speedball Water-Based Block Printing Ink
This ink is affordable and great for beginners.
Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Retarder
When using water-based inks I usually use a retarder to help increase working time and it can act like an extender. This means it can reduce the pigment adding a transparent quality to the ink.
Understanding Traditional Oil-Based Inks
Traditional oil-based inks are made from oil, typically linseed oil, combined with pigments. They have a long history in the world of printmaking, and their unique characteristics make them a worthy competitor to water-based inks. Let’s explore their advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Drying Time: This can be an advantage because of the longer working time. You will have more time to work. This is helpful if your project requires several days. You can mix ink and come back to it later after interruption.
- Versatility: They are compatible with a wide range of substrates, including various types of paper, fabric, and even woodcut plates, giving you more creative freedom.
- Intense Colors: Oil-based inks tend to produce deep, rich colors that can result in visually stunning prints.
Disadvantages:
- Drying Time: Oil-based inks dry much slower than water-based inks. This slow drying time can be frustrating when in a hurry to create an edition. You may have to wait as long as several weeks between layers depending on what kind of paper you use and the environment you live in.
- Toxicity: Unlike water-based inks, traditional oil-based inks contain solvents and oils that can emit harmful fumes. Adequate ventilation and protective gear are essential when working with them. Some contain petroleum-based ingredients which are toxic and hard to clean.
- Cleanup: Cleaning up traditional oil-based inks can be challenging, often requiring the use of solvents like mineral spirits.
- Environmental Impact: Due to their solvent content, traditional oil-based inks are less environmentally friendly.
Introducing Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks
Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks offers a middle ground between water-based and traditional oil-based inks. These inks are formulated to combine the best of both worlds making them suitable for artists who need efficiency without the toxicity of traditional oil-based inks. They can sometimes be called water-washable. Let’s explore their advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Low Toxicity: They are safer to use compared to traditional oil-based inks, with reduced emissions of harmful fumes. Usually, their formulas only contain pigments and non-toxic oils similar such as soy and linseed.
- Easy Cleanup: As the name suggests, Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks can be cleaned up using soap and water, similar to water-based inks. This simplifies the cleanup process.
- Versatility: They maintain compatibility with a variety of substrates, making them a flexible choice for artists. This means it is a great choice for traditional printmakers who want a healthier means to create prints.
Disadvantages:
- Drying time: Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks dry slower similar to traditional oil-based inks. This can be a disadvantage if you are in a hurry.
Safe Wash Oil-based Ink Choices:
Charbonnel Water Washable Printing Ink
Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink
You can read more about my Top 5 Inks for Linocut at home.
Choosing the Right Ink for Your Project
When deciding between water-based, traditional oil-based, and Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks, consider the following factors:
1. Project Goals: If you need fast drying times and vibrant colors, water-based inks may be the better choice. For eco-friendly and safe options, water-based inks or Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks are top picks.
2. Substrate: Consider the material you’ll be printing on. Traditional oil-based inks provide the most versatility, however, Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks are a safer and comparable alternative for diverse substrates.
3. Workspace: Assess your workspace for proper ventilation and safety measures. If you have limited ventilation, water-based or Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks are safer options.
4. Cleanup: Think about the ease of cleanup. Water-based and Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks are more user-friendly in this regard. Clean-up can be as easy as using a little vegetable oil or soap and water to clean up.
5. Environmental Concerns: If you prioritize environmental responsibility, water-based or Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks align better with sustainable practices. These are also friendlier to use inside your home.
Conclusion
In the world of printmaking, the choice between water-based, traditional oil-based, or Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Water-based inks are safe and environmentally friendly, traditional oil-based inks have slower drying times and intense colors, while Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks strike a balance between the two.
These non-toxic versions of inks come in a variety of formulas which means you can use these in your intaglio printmaking as well as relief.
The best ink for you is the one that aligns with your artistic vision and the practical demands of your projects. Whether you opt for the environmentally conscious route with water-based inks, embrace the vibrant intensity of traditional oil-based inks, or seek the compromise offered by Safe Wash Oil-Based Inks, all have their unique place in the world of printmaking.
In the end, the ink you choose will be the colorful thread that weaves your artistic tapestry together.
