Acrylics Using printers inks

[Mariner]

If anyone could point me to threads or offer tips on how to use printers' inks properly (oil or acrylic painting) I'd appreciate it.
My understanding is they are primarily used for metals, armour etc. Are they always mixed with paints or can they be used alone?
Many thanks, guys
Mary

 

[Gary D]

Hi Mary. I use them quite a bit. Almost exclusively for silver, gold, brass, and bronze on figures. I thin them with Humbrol thinner although some people suggest you use the carrier from an un-mixed Humbrol tin. (the carrier floats to the top). When dry, I use washes over them to give depth.

Hope that helps. Also try quirying "printers inks" in the search engine at the top of the page.

Good Luck!!

Gary Daugherty

 

[Tecumsea]

Hi Mary, If you are using true Printers Inks they must be used with a carrier, Turps, Artists Turpentine, White Spirit otherwise they don't dry. Having said that and as long as you thin them they can be used on their own or mixed with Oils or Enamels.
I use them for any Silver or Gold finishes although there is a bit of a fad at the moment for Non Metallic Metal finishes, using standard paints to represent metal-I'm sure Leonardo would have used them if they were available:lol::lol:

 

[John Bowery]

Mary,
I use Windsor Newton Liquin for a drying agent and Turpentine for the thinner. The liquin is also a gloss agent.
You can also use W/N Cobalt dryer. for the drying agent. Just add a little to the ink and then Turpentine. to thin the inks. If you don't use a dryer the ink will not dry. If using the humbrol carrier from an unmixed tin then this will be the drier. A very very small amount of ink goes a very long way.
Cheers,
John

 

[Mariner]

I ordered one of the Andrea sets; I believe that's what they are called, and appreciate all of you guys' help. Not sure what I'm actually getting but I understand what you are all saying; I guess there are different types of 'ink.'

 

[housecarl]

This might help too. http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-paint-metals-with-printers-ink.html
Carl.

 

[thrax]

those gold calligraphy pens are those printer ink fineness ? where in the states can you find the brightest of gold inks?

 

[P GREEN]

Hi Mary
For the printers inks I have been using cobalt drier from your local art store.Use a very small amount will move an flow easily(sometimes to easily)
be careful or unload your brush before you contact your model.
Good luck
Paul

 

[megroot]

Mary,
I think the Andrea is alcohol based not oilbased. Vallejo have some to.
If you have real printersink you only use the ink at the bottom of the bottle/pot.
I use it for all my metallic's gold, bronze and metal.
For metal i mix the silver inkt with black. After drying i give it a wash with black. After this has dried i drybrush with pure silver ink.
Gold and broze are done the same but with burnt umber as carrier.
Hope this will help.

marc

 

[jcichon]

Mary,
The Andrea inks set is not good at all in my use. Same with the gold set. They are acrylic based and you dont get the same "pop" you would with true printers inks. I got some from Michael ROberts Ltd and love them.

 

[Mariner]

Thank you all. I did receive them and they are not true printers inks as you say. I'll try and find them here in Canada. That said, they are something else to play with

 

[Don]

Mary there is a thread on "Absolute Beginners Talk" just slightly further down the index page which may help you a bit more with Printers Inks and where they can be found.
Also some links to older PF threads on how to use them.
Try there as it may help.

 

[jcichon]

Mary you can try Stormtroopers in the UK. I have liquid printers inks from them and they are really good and will last you a lifetime!

 

[Gellso]

Mr. Hobby Metalcolours give a nice even finish.
You can buff them up to a shine once they've dried.

 

[Mariner]

Thanks to everyone...I contacted Stuart at Stormtroopers and have a set on the way

 

[Tecumsea]

Remember Mary when you use these to just take some of the sediment from the bottom of the bottle-don't try to mix it because it will be too thin-the liquid is just there to stop the printers ink from going hard.

Keith