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Printing inks have been around since before the birth of
Christ. The Chinese used inks on wooden blocks with a formula of
lamp black, glue and water. Ink evolved little over the next
several centuries. It wasn't until the introduction of synthetic
oils and man-made resins that the quality of inks improved.
Today most inks consist of several
ingredients that fall into two basic categories: pigments, which provide
color; and the carrier or vehicle, which is composed of oils, varnishes,
waxes and other elements that adhere to pigment. Combinations of
these various components create the varieties of inks used in today's
market. There are hundreds to choose from, each providing
different optical results, textures and other unique qualities.
At The Printing Source,
our technical team works closely with ink manufacturers to ensure that
the specified inks match the characteristics dictated by the
design. These informed choices are evident in the quality of the
final product.
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