Fine Art and Handmade Papers
Q. Is inkAID compatible with any kind of paper?
A. Yes, all inkAID products are compatible with any kind of paper, including fine art and handmade papers and paper with deckled edges.
Q. Which inkAID coatings can be used on paper?
A. Any of inkAID coating can be used on paper. The inkAID Clear coating will allow the underlying color and fibers of the paper to show through, while the inkAID White Matte or any of the inkAID Iridescents will not.
Q. How should I apply inkAID to paper?
A. inkAID coatings are usually applied with a foam brush or good quality bristle brush. It's important to apply a sufficient amount of wet coating to the substrate for good printability. When starting out, perform a few "test applications" on new substrates to determine the optimum amount of coating required. A good practice is to apply the wet coating in one direction and then apply it again at a 90 degree angle. You could also use a foam roller, a stainless steel coating rod, or a Paasche VLS Airbrush. Allow the coating to dry completely, usually overnight, before printing. Some papers will curl slightly after drying so be sure to flatten your substrate before printing.
Q. How can I flatten and smooth out paper after coating with inkAID?
A. The normal reaction of porous substrates, like paper, is to absorb water and swell. This will cause the substrate to slightly buckle and curl upon drying. To reduce the amount of curl, the substrate can be hung from a thin wire (using metal clips or clothespins) after coating, allowing gravity to pull down and remain flat as it dries. Additional metal clips can be placed to the bottom of the hanging substrate to add additional weight. If the substrate is still curled after drying, it can be pressed flat using several methods. One is to place it between two flat pieces of material such as plexiglas and loading a heavy weight upon it overnight or for a few days. Another method is to place the substrate between several pieces of parchment or wax paper and using a moderately hot iron or heat press to remove the curl. Yet another method is to hold the top and bottom of the substrate with both hands and gently run it over the smooth edge of a table or countertop.