Akua Pigment Modifiers

Various modifiers are available for special effects and for changing the consistency of the ink. Akua’s innovative line of modifiers allows artists to cater to Akua Inks’ viscosity and transparency to suit their printmaking project ideally.

Each of the seven modifiers listed below carries the AP Seal.

TACK THICKENER Thickens Akua Liquid Pigment for use with brayers. Add about 10% Tack Thickener to 90% ink. It is medium amber in colour and has the consistency of molasses.

BLENDING MEDIUM Create wash effects or use them as a resist in monotype printmaking. It is a clear liquid. (Also used to thin Akua Intaglio ink.)

RETARDER Slows drying rate and acts as a release for Akua Liquid Pigment. A few drops in the ink are essential when printing on dry paper. Especially helpful in hot, dry or very cold climates. It is a clear liquid.

EXTENDER Makes Akua Liquid Pigment more transparent and reconstitutes air-thickened ink. It is light amber in colour with a liquid consistency.

TRANSPARENT BASE the Akua Intaglio ink base without any pigment. Add Akua Liquid Pigment to Transparent Base to thicken the ink for use with brayers and create new colours for intaglio printmaking.

RELEASE AGENT Highly recommended for monotype printing with Akua Liquid Pigment, this modifier helps produce rich prints with minimal pressure. Also, it can be rolled over a ghost impression, then printed for a more complete transfer of the remaining ink to the paper.

MAG MIX (Also Called Ink Stiffener) Use with Akua Intaglio. Mix into Akua Intaglio ink to add depth and stiffen the ink. It is clear in colour with a stiff consistency. It is not suitable for Akua Liquid Pigment.