Gamblin Etching Ink

Gamblin Etching InksGamblin Etching Inks were formulated at the request of professional printmakers in the Pacific Northwest who wanted strong reliable inks for edition printing. The palette of pure intense pigments offers a broad range of color mixing potential.

Five black inks and Graphite were formulated to meet the demands of printmakers who want deep rich black inks with good working characteristics. Portland Black and Portland Cool Black are ideal for edition printing; both offer a strong line and medium plate tone. For engravers, printers of mezzotints, or others who need more resistance from their ink, Portland Stiff Black is also available. To read more about selecting the Black ink most suited to your printmaking process, read our latest newsletter here.

Gamblin Etching Inks are all bound in the highest quality Burnt Plate Oil.

BLACK INK Matching Your Ink to Your Technique

Black Inks

ColorTemperatureWipingPlate ToneRecommended Use
Portland Black
PBk9, PB29
NeutralEasyModerateHighly recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving processes.
Portland Cool Black
PBk7, PBk9, PB29
CoolEasyModerateHighly recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving processes.
Portland Stiff Black
PBk9, Pbk29
NeutralModerateModerateRecommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint. Highly recommended for mezzotint and engraving.
Bone Black
PBk9
WarmEasyLightHighly recommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint and engraving processes.
Carbon Black
PBk9
WarmHardHeavyNeeds additives to work well for etching, drypoint, aquatinit, mezzotinit and engraving processes.
Graphite
Natural Graphite
GrayEasyHeavyRecommended for etching, drypoint, aquatint, mezzotint. Needs additives for engraving.

 

Etching Ink Hansa Yellow Light

Hansa Yellow Light 
Pigment: Arylide yellow (PY 3)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 3, SEMI-TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Yellow Ochre

Yellow Ochre 
Pigment: Natural hydrated iron oxide (PY 43)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 1, SEMI-TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Sepia

Sepia 
Pigment: Bone Black (PBk9), Transparent Mars Red (PR101)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 2, OPAQUE, SDS

Etching Ink Napthol Red

Napthol Red 
Pigment: Napthol AS-D (PR112)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 2, SEMI-TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Quinacridone Red

Quinacridone Red 
Pigment: Quinacridone red b (PV19)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 3, TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Dioxazine Purple

Dioxazine Purple 
Pigment: Carbazol dioxazine (PV 23)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 3, TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Ultramarine Blue

Ultramarine Blue 
Pigment: Complex silicate of sodium & aluminum with sulfur (PB 29)
Vehicle: Burn Plate Oil
Series 2, TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Prussian Blue

Prussian Blue 
Pigment: Ferri-ammonium ferrocyanide (PB 27:1)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 2, SEMI-TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Phthalo Green

Phthalo Green 
Pigment: Chlorinated copper phthalocyanine (PG 7)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 2, TRANSPARENT, SDS

Etching Ink Etching White

Etching White
Pigment: Titanium dioxide (PW 6)
Zinc oxide (PW 4)
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 1, OPAQUE, SDS

Relief Ink Transparent Base

Transparent Base
Increases transparency while maintaining the inks stiffness and tack
Pigment: Calcium Carbonate
Vehicle: Burnt Plate Oil
Series 1, TRANSPARENT, SDS