C. FAQ – Application
4. Fine Art/Handmade Papers
Q. Is inkAID compatible with any kind of paper?
A. Yes, all the inkAID™ products are compatible with any kind of paper, including fine art and handmade papers. Be sure that the paper you plan on coating isn’t already coated for inkjet printing, as it’s redundant and the two coatings probably aren’t compatible.
Q. Which inkAID products do you recommend using with fine art or handmade papers?
A. Generally, artists and photographers use the inkAID™ Clear Semi-Gloss precoat or Clear Gloss Precoat. inkAID™ White Matte precoat is occasionally used, but will cover up the color and texture of the paper, yielding a bright white background. Clear Gloss Type II precoat could be used, but it’s more expensive than the Clear Gloss or Semi-Gloss precoats, and most papers don’t require the adhesive included in the Type II, so it’s not necessary to spend the extra money. The inkAID™ Iridescent precoats are becoming extremely popular for artists and photographers printing on paper, because they allow the characteristics of the paper to shine through, while adding a touch of sheen and color.
Q. How should I apply inkAID to paper?
A. The easiest and most commonly used method is to apply inkAID™ with a black foam brush found at any hardware store. Lay your paper on a flat, easy to clean surface (sometimes it helps to tape the corners down), and pour a small amount of inkAID™ into a bowl. Dip the foam brush into coating and brush onto the paper, being sure to brush in a single direction. Allow the paper to dry completely, 4-5 hours (the drying process can be sped up using a hair dryer set on “cool”, but this will cause the paper to warp more severely). Once the paper is completely dry, apply a second coat, brushing in a perpendicular direction this time. Allow the paper to dry again. After the paper is dry, ensure that it lies completely flat (see question below), and you’re ready to print!
Q. My paper is warping and bending as it dries. How can I fix this?
A. This is a common problem, and fortunately has a pretty simple solution. The reason that the paper becomes wavy or warped as it dries has to do with the uneven absorption of inkAID™. Especially in handmade paper, where fiber concentration differs throughout the sheet, the water in the inkAID™ coating isn’t absorbed evenly by the paper, and the result is that the paper warps as it dries. To prevent this from happening, hang the paper from a thin wire (using metal clips or clothespins) after coating, allowing gravity to pull down and keep it flat as it dries. You can also use secure metal clips to the bottom of the hanging paper to add some more weight. If the paper is still warped after it’s been coated twice and completely dried, you can press it flat underneath a heavy weight (like several large books) overnight; this should get rid of the last of the warps. It’s important that the paper lay completely flat before printing to avoid headstrikes by the ink cartridges.
Q. I don’t want to coat my own paper – do you offer precoated papers?
A. Yes – currently we offer three different precoated Japanese Washi papers – Unryu 55, Kozo 110, and Bizan 300. These papers are beautifully crafted from sustainably harvested mulberry plants, and each sheet of Bizan 300 is individually handmade. All of the papers are available in A4 and A3+ sizes, and the Unryu 55 is also available in a 44”x 15 meter roll. Please visit the Products page for more information.
