Inking problems polymer plates

Hi All,

I’m trying etching press for the first time and I’m running into problems with my ink.
I’m printing cards (100% cotton paper) using polymer plates and Charbonnel etching ink but I’m having issues with the ink being wet, grainy and not evenly distributed.

Any ideas what I can do?

Thanks a lot!
Ortal.

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etching ink is clever—-for etching: it is designed to stay put in the texture of an intaglio plate but removeable by surface wiping where there is no texture, ie you are using an ink that is designed to do the opposite of relief printing letterpress……………..

Thank you, since I’m quite new to this, what ink would you recommend for letter pressing with a polymer plate.
I was told to use only oil based inks with my plate.

If you can also recommend some web stores I can order from that would be amazing.

Thanks a lot!
Ortal.

Hi Ortal,

I would personally recommend rubber based Van Son inks. I am using polymer plates and they work very well. I am new to letterpress too but Van Son is good choice so far. I bought first load on ebay. I am not sure where are you base so its hard to tell.

Good luck.

see post by thomas gravemaker today re suppliers if you are in europe