You may not realise it, but most
of us rely on ink every single day. Whether you’re signing birthday cards with
a pen, printing important documents at work, or getting a tattoo, ink has many
important functions that we often take for granted.
Everyone’s heard of ink, but how
many people actually understand what it is? We’ve put together a basic guide
with everything you need to know.
What is ink?
Ink is a liquid used to add
colour to a surface. It is often used for drawing and writing and is a crucial
component in the production of image and text. Ink has been used throughout
history, and was originally produced using plant dyes, tree resin, soot,
minerals and animal tissue, among other ingredients.
What is ink used for?
Ink can be used across a broad range
of applications. It can be used to print newspapers, paper currency and
marketing materials, but also has many other uses. The methods and ingredients
involved in the production of ink help to determine how it will be used. For
instance, pharmaceutical ink - which is water-based and can be swallowed - is
used to label medication. Tattoo ink, on the other hand, can be used to
permanently dye people’s skin.
How is ink produced?
Today, ink is made with a
combination of pigments, dyes, solvents, surfactants, and many other factors.
Pigments and dye provide the foundation for ink during the production process,
and can be used to create many different types of ink.
Pigments are soluble particles
used to impart colour. They must be added to the ink carefully to make sure
that they don’t remain separate and can achieve a solid, even colour. In
contrast, dye is a soluble product, and imparts its colour by being absorbed by
the ink.
Once they have been selected and
prepared, the chosen pigments and dyes are then combined with a range of other
ingredients. These will depend on the purpose of the ink, but may include
water, alcohol or solvents. The solution is then heated in a vessel until it
has fully dispersed, and may be filtered once more to ensure the ink is smooth
enough.
Centre Colours: Your
choice for bespoke pigment dispersions
Effective pigment dispersion is
crucial to creating high-strength colours for ink and paint products. At Centre
Colours, we’re committed to producing bespoke pigment dispersions to the
highest standard, and understand exactly what it takes to achieve a first-rate
result.
We’re an independent dispersion
house in Leeds catering to clients in the ink, paint and coating industries. We
work with companies of all sizes, and can create bespoke pigment dispersions or
improve existing formulations. Whatever you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
with Centre Colours
for more information today.
