Digital BW, The Print

Jerry,

You wrote:

>I'm currently using the Beta ("enhanced") black from Generations
>with the MIS color pigments. You mentioned that the VM black was much
>longer lasting than the Beta.

Apparently "Beta" black is Enhanced with dyes to make it blacker.  As such,
it would not be expected to have the light fastness of a more pure pigmented
inkset.  What I noticed is that in my fade tests it warm shifted and faded
appreciably more than the MIS or Piezo blacks.  the MIS VM black appears to
be the same as the Piezo black.

However, while I saw a significant difference, the Generations inks have
apparently passed the 75 year mark in Wilhelm tests.  So, the Enhanced black
is no slouch.

>Do you think the VM Black will work ok with the MIS Color pigments?

Yes, but you might have to change your profiles, etc.  That is, the inkset
will print somewhat differently.

>Or do you think the Beta is fine for ordinary color prints? If they last
>15 years or so, I'd be satisfied. I have a pint of beta black left, so
>would like to use it first.

I think you ought to just use the beta black.  You like a deep black, and it
is deeper than the others -- because of those dyes.

Paul