Technical Inks
|
|
|
(Excerpts from ART HARDWARE: The Definitive Guide to Artists’ Materials, by Steven Saitzyk © 1987) Permanence, opacity, and being waterproof are high priorities in a technical pen ink. Technical pens, which are used in drafting and illustration, are designed to be used with permanent, opaque waterproof ink that would ruin any other fountain pen. (Technical pens do require some maintenance or they, too, will be rendered useless by such inks.) Inks made for technical pens often meet minimum lightfastness standards for fine artwork, and may be used for such, if they are labeled "lightfast." As the use of technical pens has widened, so has the selection of inks for use in them. Today, transparent and opaque and matte and gloss inks are available. There are also inks that work on plastic surfaces, such as acetate and drafting film. The flow, or working characteristics, of ink are often very different from brand to brand. Some inks, like those produced by Koh-i-noor Rapidiograph, seem to be made with density foremost in mind, and are not as free flowing. This quality is ideal for drafting, where exacting reproduction of drawings is required. For fine artwork, however, flow is often more important than density, and many other companies produce thinner inks that flow more easily. It is wise to sample several brands to see which is best for you. Whatever ink you select, it should never be used in a fountain pen.
|
Number of Visits to this site since Feb.18, 2008
Questions regarding materials and the
creative process will be considered a request for a consult and
|