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For the vast majority of mixes I don’t think you’d need 012 Yellow (a basic color not on your list), 021 Orange, 023 Red, or 072 Blue. These are relatively recent additions to the system, designed specifically for when a color needs to be fade-resistant (perhaps shop window or outdoor use).

If you’re going to invest in all the basic colors, and want to be able to print on most every stock, in addition to every Pantone color, you may want to seriously consider oil base ink rather than, or possibly in addition to, rubber base. That way you can print on coated and other hard-surface papers without worrying about how well (or if) the rubber base will dry.

One-pound cans of the Pantone basic colors should be available locally, ask some of the small offset printers in the area where they buy. For smaller quantities, tubes might be ideal, but just offhand, I’m not aware of anyone that has all the Pantone basic colors in rubber base in tubes.

Dave (the Ink in Tubes guy)

Hi Ironfire:

I am also in search of a UK source for inks in small quantities for mixing Pantone colours and would love to hear if you’ve had any luck in your search? I am interested in vegetable-based inks, or if that’s impossible in oil-based Van Son inks.

Many thanks!