Digital BW, The Print

> Could someone please clue me in on what PKN and LKN are. 
>What is the difference between PK and PKN, etc.

LKN has been used in the UT7 inkset for some time.  It's just a neutral
version of the otherwise rather warm MIS LK.  I found that if the ink was
not neutralized the shadows of prints made with the sliders became overly
warm.  When curves are used, there is very little effect or difference.

PKN is a new neutralized MIS PK.  Again, the usual Pk -- MIS or Epson -- is
very warm.  So, the PKN allows those who want to do black only printing the
option of a neutral print on glossy paper.

Also of interest, the PKN has a better dmax than the standard MIS PK.

In the UT2 inkset (and perhaps also UT7, but I have not tested that) the
glossy "Eboni" curves that generate the black from the 2 dark gray inks are
still the better way to print on at least Epson Semigloss.  The dmax is
about the same as PKN, and the use of the 2 dark grays minimizes the gloss
differential.

I have not yet fade tested the PKN.  I would expect that the pure carbon PK
would do slightly better due to there being some color pigments in the PKN,
and the darker dmax will cause the PKN to heat up more, accelerating any
fading.  (The latter factor would not differ significantly in normal
display.  As such, the fade test will probably exaggerate the differences.)

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com