Metallic Ink on Dark Paper
Any advice for printing metallic on dark paper? I’m reprinting a job with silver ink (from Ink in Tubes Guy) on 100# French Nightshift Blue using a 10x15 C&P Craftsman and standard relief plates. I’ve found in times past that metallic ink has a breaking in/warming up period on press: it’s much easier to achieve crisp, clear prints about half way through the run. In the past, I’ve done a double hit and have also loaded up the ink for a single hit to achieve a good level of visibility with good clarity (a bit of impression, but not deep impression by any means).
For this reprint, I can’t seem to get anything other than a muddy image. I’ve adjusted everything from roller height, ink density (over and under inking), soft and hard packing and standing on my head. Also, the silver image print’s beautifully on white stock (French 100# Recycled White).
I know metallics can be finicky, but any tips or advice would be so welcome!
Thanks-
Original print. Crisp and clear, though obviously over-inked.
Current print. Pretty muddy on blue paper, crisp on white.
Have you thought about the stock itself being an issue? While not coated, some of French Paper’s stock have a different level of sizing content than others. That one, night shift blue, has two sides with two different colors. It’ll sound strange, but try flipping a sheet over to the recto side and give it an impression.
(It’s a reprint, is it the same ink and press and paper as the previous product, but with different results?)