Digital BW, The Print

I'm using MIS UT3D in a 2200 with QTR, and I'm noticing dots in the
highlights of my prints, and I'd like to reduce them so I'm
considering replacing the MK and LK positions with a lighter version
of the LC and MC inks (LLC and LLM) in an effort to get smoother
highlights.

How would I go about mixing this? Equal parts of GLOP and LC/LM? 2/3
GLOP to 1/3 LC/LM?

Has anybody tried this? Is it even worth the trouble?

Thanks for any input!

-Guy

Guy wrote:
>
> I'm using MIS UT3D in a 2200 with QTR, and I'm noticing dots in the
> highlights of my prints, and I'd like to reduce them so I'm
> considering replacing the MK and LK positions with a lighter version
> of the LC and MC inks (LLC and LLM) in an effort to get smoother
> highlights.

The LK would be the most logical ink to replace with a very light ink 
if you're using QTR.  If you print only glossy papers, then MK could 
also be replaced.

> How would I go about mixing this? Equal parts of GLOP and LC/LM? 2/3
> GLOP to 1/3 LC/LM?

30/70 is the standard dilution, but you have some flexibillity there. 
Glop would be the dilutant you'd want to use with that inkset.

If you wanted to replace just one ink -- LK -- then you might want a 
blended ink that would come close to the tones you usually print.  
The UT-RC inkset ( http://www.inksupply.com/r260_blackandwhite.cfm ) 
has the most recent blended neutral inks.  If you started with one of 
the light inks in that inkset, you might consider UT-RCC Y position 
(still a relatively dense ink due to its targetting the 1.5 pl 
printers) and dilute it something like 1 part ink to 5 or 6 parts 
glop.  To equal the lightest inks we use, it'd have to be diluted 
more than 1:10, but a 2200 really does not need the super light inks 
something like my 7500 needs.  On glossy papers, RCC prints 
relatively neutral in the highlights; on matte papers RCN might be 
more neutral.

Paul   
www.PaulRoark.com

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "pr_roark"
<pr_roark@...> wrote:
>
> Guy wrote:
> >
> > I'm using MIS UT3D in a 2200 with QTR, and I'm noticing dots in the
> > highlights of my prints, and I'd like to reduce them so I'm
> > considering replacing the MK and LK positions with a lighter version
> > of the LC and MC inks (LLC and LLM) in an effort to get smoother
> > highlights.
> 
> The LK would be the most logical ink to replace with a very light ink 
> if you're using QTR.  If you print only glossy papers, then MK could 
> also be replaced.
> 
> > How would I go about mixing this? Equal parts of GLOP and LC/LM? 2/3
> > GLOP to 1/3 LC/LM?
> 
> 30/70 is the standard dilution, but you have some flexibillity there. 
> Glop would be the dilutant you'd want to use with that inkset.
> 
> If you wanted to replace just one ink -- LK -- then you might want a 
> blended ink that would come close to the tones you usually print.  
> The UT-RC inkset ( http://www.inksupply.com/r260_blackandwhite.cfm ) 
> has the most recent blended neutral inks.  If you started with one of 
> the light inks in that inkset, you might consider UT-RCC Y position 
> (still a relatively dense ink due to its targetting the 1.5 pl 
> printers) and dilute it something like 1 part ink to 5 or 6 parts 
> glop.  To equal the lightest inks we use, it'd have to be diluted 
> more than 1:10, but a 2200 really does not need the super light inks 
> something like my 7500 needs.  On glossy papers, RCC prints 
> relatively neutral in the highlights; on matte papers RCN might be 
> more neutral.
> 
> Paul   
> www.PaulRoark.com
>


Thanks Paul.

I only print on glossy papers, thus my wanting to replace both LK and
MK. Those inks simply don't get used, and it seems like a waste to not
use those ink positions. Also, it just seems like it will be easier
and more consistent across the entire density range if I use the same
inks diluted for the super-light ink positions. I can always put the
LK/MK cartridges back in should I decide to print on mat papers.

Do you think it's worth the effort?

Thanks again,
Guy

Guy,

...
> > > I'm using MIS UT3D in a 2200 with QTR, and I'm noticing dots in 
the
> > > highlights of my prints, and I'd like to reduce them so I'm
> > > considering replacing the MK and LK positions with a lighter 
version
> > > of the LC and MC inks (LLC and LLM) in an effort to get smoother
> > > highlights.
 
...
> > 30/70 is the standard dilution, but you have some flexibillity 
there. 
> > Glop would be the dilutant you'd want to use with that inkset.
...


> I only print on glossy papers, thus my wanting to replace both LK 
and
> MK. Those inks simply don't get used, and it seems like a waste to 
not
> use those ink positions.
... 
> Do you think it's worth the effort?
> 

If the inkset by itself is not smooth enough for you, then it might 
well be worth the effort to add more dilute inks.  The super-light 
inks have their place.  Many of my inkset designs have simply added 
other features, typical more tonal control, with the trade-off of 
slightly less smoothness.  Whether these trade-offs are good or bad 
depends on the printing styles and subjects, as well as personal 
preferences.  I must say, I'm enjoying the creamy smooth prints my 
latest Eboni-6 and Carbon-6 inksets produce.  In some shots it makes 
a difference to me also.

Good luck with the mixing.  It should work well.

Paul   
www.PaulRoark.com