Akua
Modifiers

Various modifiers are available from Akua to adjust the thickness or transparency of Akua inks. The RETARDER has two purposes. A few drops mixed into Akua Liquid Pigment helps transfer ink onto dry paper. It also retards from drying on the Monotype plate, extending working time. Not suitable for Akua Intaglio Inks. It is a clear liquid. Cleans up easily with water.

BLENDING MEDIUM is used with both Akua Liquid Pigment and Intaglio Ink. It is used to thin the ink for brushwork, wash effects or use as a resist for viscosity monotypes. It is a clear liquid. Cleans up easily with water.

TACK THICKENER thickens Akua Liquid Pigment for heavier roll-up applications. It can be used for creating denser Liquid Pigment roll-ups onto monotype plate or woodblocks. It is not as thick as Transparent Base or Akua Intaglio Ink. It is medium amber with a thick consistency. Cleans up with soapy water.

MAG MIX is a stiffener that adds depth to, and stiffens Akua Intaglio Inks. It is a clear/white in color with a very stiff consistency. cleans up with liquid dish detergent. Not suitable for use with Akua Liquid Pigment.

RELEASE AGENT has three purposes. It is required to release Akua Liquid Pigment brushwork from plate to paper when hand-printing monotypes with the Pin Press. It is used for making ghost prints (one time second print from once inked monotype plates). It is a lighter version of the same image. It also helps soften the metallic ink so it can easily transfer off the plate and onto the paper. Just roll the release agent over the metallic ink that was applied to the plate. Release agent looks white in the jar but rolls up clear and colorless. Cleans up with liquid dish detergent.

TRANSPARENT BASE is Akua Intaglio Ink without the pigment. It can be used with both Akua Liquid Pigment and Akua Intaglio Inks. Adding Akua Liquid Pigment to Transparent Base will thicken the pigment and create new colors. Adding Akua Intaglio Inks will increase transparency. It is a light amber in color with a thick consistency.

EXTENDER is used to thin Akua Liquid Pigment if it has become to thick, for instance it will re-constitute "air thickened" ink. Use with Liquid Pigment only, and not with Akua Intaglio. It is thick liquid in consistency, and transparent in color.