Gamblin Etching ink Blacks

Five black inks and Graphite were formulated to meet the demands of printmakers who want deep rich black inks with good working characteristics. Portland Black and Portland Cool Black are ideal for edition printing; both offer a strong line and medium plate tone. For engravers, printers of mezzotints, or others who need more resistance from their ink, Portland Stiff Black is also available.

For plastic etching plates use Portland black with a drop of tack reducer for easy wiping (tip: use old telephone book pages for wiping)

Recommendations for use:

Portland Black- neutral, easy wiping, moderate plate tone, highly recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving processes

Portland Cool Black -  cool, easy wiping, moderate plate tone, highly recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving processes

Portland Stiff Black-neutral, moderate wiping, moderate plate tone, recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, excellent for mezzotint and engraving

Bone Black-  warm, easy wiping, light plate tone, highly recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving processes

Carbon Black- warm, hard wiping, heavy plate tone, needs additives to work well for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving processes

Graphite– Gray, Easy wiping, heavy plate tone, recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, excellent for mezzotint. Needs additives for engraving.