Digital BW, The Print

"Larry Heath" <lgheath@...> wrote:
>
> I am wondering if anyone out there might be in the know as to what grades of Carbon Black/Lamp Black are good starting points for building B&W inks for inkjet printing from scratch. I have an Epson Pro 4000 that I am currently using the UT7 ink set in, it does a decent job, but I know it could be better. I am thinking more and more about Carbon on Cotton, with multiple dilutions of black. Plus it seems like a do-able task and if for no other reason to say I did.
> 

I recommend you start with a pigment that has been prepared for inkjet printing.  I've used Daniel Smith pigments to experiment with, but they appear to not be ground to as uniform dimensions and not have the dispersion (usually electrostatic) coating treatment that our inkjet pigments have.

For me, the trick was to find the most neutral carbon that was already prepared for inkjets.  That way simple dilution is all the more  that needs to be done.

Most of the carbon that you'll find for inkjets is warm.  That's the main reason I start with Eboni for my matte printing.  If you like warmer, there are lost of  sources of carbon, including MIS's Photo  Black.

Have fun.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com