Opaque White Shelf Life?
Laying down an underprint of opaque white to get a bright red on top. I found a can of opaque white, but it is not printing very well, and I’m wondering if it might be too old. I realize opaque white is never going to be truly opaque, but this looks more translucent than normal, like the pigment particles are scattered and loose rather than dense. It occurs to me that an opaque ink might fall prey to having pigment particles separate over time. Maybe a good stir would help? Any thoughts? Thanks.
Try mixing some 747 Compound with it. Made by Varn.
I mix all my ink with it. A stir might help but it wouldn’t do like the factory would. I have ink that is 25 years old & still good. What ever brand it is, I’d stay away from it with future purchases. Only thing I’ve ever seen with ink, is that it totally dries up. But I tape all my cans and keep them in a climate controlled building.
When using oil based etching ink, I routinely dump the whole can of white and mix the pigment back in because it does indeed settle.
I have seen the same happen with oil based litho ink and had to dump a can.
Though we used to use a lot of it, I always ordered in 1 lb cans vs 5 lb cans for this very reason.
However, I have not noted this to happen with Rubber base ink- which seems to have superior ability to maintain pigment particle suspension in my experience.
I’d say if you have a slab or mixing surface large enough, and a knife large enough, you could do the same.
Good luck.
Also, Theo your suggestion to mix the 747 in- is that intended to suggest an improvement in the ink’s ability to coat/stick to the surface by using 747 as a modifier?
747 might help with that, but unfortunately you’ll have difficulty finding it. I believe Varn discontinued it. :-(
If you know of a source, I’d buy a gallon…
747 Compound makes good ink Print better in every aspect. Source for 747 is Braden Sutphin Ink Company
Cleveland, Ohio 800-289-6872
I purchased just this year they did have some left, it was in the “closeout area” I bought gallons and quarts.
They also have a excellent ink. I buy 30lbs of black rubber base at a time in 5lb. cans.
Thanks for responses. I should have supplied a few more details. This is Van Son Oil Base Opaque White, 1 # can, probably 10 years old. My first clue was how thin and runny the ink was when I opened the can. Most opaque white is very thick (like marshmallow creme, according to my students.) And since it has been stored in my garage, which often gets very warm in summer, it may have just overheated, thinning the vehicle and allowing the pigment particles to settle. Most of my other inks will work well, even after storage in non-climate controlled area. I borrowed another can of white from my UAFS shop, and will try that.
Interesting comment about Rubber Base. I may try that, too.
Anything printing related, if you leave it outside, in a non heated or cooled building. It will deteriorate rapidly.