Digital BW, The Print

Howard,

You wrote:

>Paul,  I gather (I can't remember from where) that you've been
>experimenting with potential changes to the formula for the VM inkset
>to make it even less prone to warming over time.  (As I understand
>it, both Piezo and the VM inkset warm over time, but the current VM
>inkset ("VM 1") already warms significantly less than Piezo.) ...

I am experimenting with inksets that warm less -- if at all.  I had given a
glimpse of the results I've obtained with my latest "X3" inkset a while ago.
I'll be taking a look at the 600 hour EAM fade results tomorrow.  Also,
it'll be at 100 hours with Museo, which exhibits virtually no paper
yellowing.  So, it'll be interesting to see how much of the X3 warming on
EAM was just the paper warming.

However, as promising as the X3 looks, it will probably be some time before
I'm ready to recommend a change.  There are several more things I want to
try relating to tone and longevity.  So, don't hold off buying more MIS VM
inks.

It's debatable whether showing early results of experiments is useful.  I
don't want make any promises that I can't deliver on.  However, I think they
are interesting and show that there is more in this technology.

I also wanted to signal that I hope the basic workflow is going to be
broader than just the current inkset.  The X3 inkset works with the curves
as is.  And the procedures for mixing starts with a "base cyan" from which
the other needed inks for both the VM and FS inksets are easily derived.

I am also looking at different toners.  The workflow/curves may be the
easiest way for experimenters to come up with unique ink tones.  Making a
toner (one ink) that meets the density requirements of the MIS VM inkset is
a whole lot easier than trying to come up with an entire new inkset.  So, if
my next toner works with the existing system, I'll publish the steps I took
to facilitate others doing their own thing with wild toners.

At any rate, don't wait for the ultimate inkset to arrive.  There will
probably be lots of experiments, most of which will go nowhere.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com