Digital BW, The Print

I have updated my Ink Mixing PDF at 
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Ink-Mixing.pdf

I've tentatively concluded that the one and only incremental change I'll make in the C6 formula for my Arches watercolor paper project is to add the Dow Tergitol 15-S-7 surfactant to the existing C6 mix options.  There is probably no reason to change the mix for other uses.

The PDF has been revised to show 3 versions of C6:

C6a -- very simple, for older 3.5 or larger picoliter printers,

C6b -- for 1.5 picoliter printers (adds Edwal LFN wetting agent),

C6c -- for Arches watercolor paper (adds the Dow surfactant).

I've tested number of different mixes, and some do, indeed, result in smoother printing on Arches.  Lower viscosity, for example, helps the inks penetrate Arches with less wicking and roughness.  But, the ink will settle faster.  

A higher glycol level may help penetration and cleaning (glycol is up to 45% of Epson cleaning fluid), but its benefits seem outweighed by other factors, including its smell in small offices.  C6 already has some glycol in it from the Photo Flo, and I think this is enough. 

So, I'm back to very close to where I was initially.  The basic C6 mix works and has for over 2 years with no significant problems.  As some say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Time to move on.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com