Cranfield Lithography Inks are a traditional formulation of highest quality single pigment colors, with the exception of carefully selected blends of pigment for the earths. Lithography is the printmaking process that transfers the thinnest layer of ink onto the paper, so the ink needs to be highly loaded with pigment and mixed to the right viscosity to transfer and yield vibrant results. Cranfield's formulation has barely changed in generations, but the quality of the pigments available today, and the superior grinding power of modern mills, produces exceptionally high strength, lightfast, and durable colors and a rich, velvet black.
All of Cranfields Lithography Inks are intermixable, and can be used for stone lithography, plate lithography, Prontoplate printing, and relief printing, the exceptions being the Roll-Up, Workshop, and Stiff Crayon Black which are specialist blacks developed with specific technical applications in stone and aluminum plate lithography.
Drying rate will vary according to color and drying conditions. Optimal results are obtained between 20-30 degrees C, with a relative humidity below 60%. Refer to ‘Cranfield Technical Note – Drying’ for further advice. The Roll-Up, Workshop and Stiff Crayon Black have a separate Technical Sheet for reference.
Cranfield Traditional Lithographic Workshop Black is halfway between the Loose Roll-Up black and Stiff Crayon Black inks. The blend proportions have been formulated after extensive consultation with Cranfield’s partner universities, institutions, and individual lithographers to provide a highly pigmented ink while ensuring ease of use. The controlled properties of viscosity, tack (stickiness), drying time, and the ability to roll up smoothly on the printing surface make this the go-to compromise in many studios.
