For five decades we’ve been a trusted ally for artists working in etching, relief, traditional litho and letterpress. For the last fifteen years we’ve also been at the forefront of the developments in non-toxic printmaking. Caligo was the first oil-based ink that could be washed with soap and water, making printing not just safer, but quicker and easier too.
Credit for many of our practical innovations should go to our Chief Chemist, Angela Brown Bsc MA, who has a Master’s degree in Printmaking. Her hands-on experience keeps our technology and Quality Control firmly rooted in the printmaker’s real world.
While we have an eye on the future, Cranfield is the only independent manufacturer in the UK still making printmaking inks the traditional way – using triple roll mills and dry pigment colours. This gives us complete control over every aspect of ink formulation and production, from the initial selection of raw materials through to the filling and sealing of the tin or tube of ink.
Most of our ink ranges include the primary (process) colours of cyan, magenta and yellow (CMY). This is essential for printmakers creating colour prints using digital colour separation techniques and photomechanical print processes. It also offers a simple but effective set of primary colours for mixing your own palette.
Whether you’re a fine-art printmaker, an artist, a retailer or just want to know more about our colours, we’d love to hear from you. Our open and friendly team are on hand to tackle any paint and ink challenges you may encounter.
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