Digital BW, The Print

"Randy Rancier" <randy_rancier2004@...> wrote:

> ... using the UT14 inkset, ...
> I was attempting to get the maximum black possible on a 
> semi-glossy paper (ILFORD Galerie Gold Fibre Silk) using 
> the PK inks, ...
> 
> What surprised me ... was that I was getting a higher dmax 
> ... with the DILUTE Cool and Warm PK inks ...
> ... the Diluted Warm PK was actually higher (a 
> little over 2.33 at 95% inkload) ...

That's an interesting result.  

With my dilute HP PK experiments I found I was able to hit a dmax of 
2.4 on Crane Silver Rag at a 100% QTR ink limit with a 50% dilution 
of the HP PK.  (I did not have a 100% HP PK test strip to see what it 
would do full strength.)  I attributed the result to the huge load 
the Crane paper could hold.  On most glossy papers the dilute ink did 
not do as well, coming in closer to 1.9.  I did not test the Ilford 
paper.

The MIS K4 PK is a lighter load (more dilute) than the older 7600 PK, 
I'm told, and it does work better on the newer printers, but on the 
older ones I think the more concentrated 7600 PK gives a better 
dmax.  So, it may be that, in general, a characteristic of the latest 
printers favors lighter load inks.

It would be interesting to see scans of the ink separation pages of a 
couple glossy papers if it's easy for you to post them somewhere.

Thanks for letting us know of your findings.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com