Digital BW, The Print

Alistair wrote:

> ... I am drawn to this approach for BW: 
> http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Eboni-1800.pdf modified either by 
> replacing one of the ebony MK's with GLOP or by using a spray as 
> described in this paper: http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/R1800-
> Glossy.pdf

If you didn't want to use the 3-MK approach, relying on the Eboni-6 
(in the R1800 configuration), you could have both the PK and Glop in 
their normal OEM positions.  

Dilute Eboni prints very warmly on glossy papers (my new recommended 
sepia approach).  If you want a more neutral 100% carbon print, the 
straight 100% Eboni would be needed.

> On the occasions that I need to print color, I can batch them 
> up and swap out the entire inkset for MIS R1800 color.

> Some experimentation and trial and error will clearly be 
> required on my part ...

Yes, but then isn't developing your own unique workflow part of the 
fun?

>  can you see any problems with embarking on a journey along 
> this route Paul?

If you use MIS PK, stay with the K4-PK or one of the several newer 
PKNs.  The MIS-Pro PK seems to be too high a load for the 1.5 pl 
printers.  

I'd keep an "insulating" Eboni between the dilute Eboni-6 inks and 
any glop or PK.  I'm not sure PK or Glop and the Eboni-6 dilution 
base are very compatible.  Keep an eye on whether they are forming 
agglomerations on the pad that then stick to the surface of the 
head.  I'm not saying they will, but that is one possible problem to 
look for.  Eboni is compatible with all of them, so it can be between 
them in the printer and help keep them apart.

If you use a straight 3-MK and then try to nail it down with a post-
printing spray, it just takes too much spray to work well.  Using a 
PK at the end of a 2-MK + PK approach might make it a lot easier to 
get a good, even finish with the spray.

Glop in the printing step, added in proportion to the amount of 
carbon, also makes getting a good finish easier.  My memory is that 
as you add glop, you'll warm the image a bit. 

With a solvent-based spray, a nice finish can be produced with these 
combinations.  Spraying is just a hassle and the VOCs are not very 
environmentally friendly or healthy.  I'm not sure my favorite 
Premier Art Print Shield is sold in the UK, but I suspect there is an 
alternative.  You have Lascaux there, but it's too thin for good 
glossy prints.  

Good luck with the setup.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com