This block printing ink has the perfect consistency for lino and wood block printing, and transfers onto paper. It is non-toxic, water-based, and washes up easily in water.

Derivan developed this unique product for art and craft courses to give people a premium quality block printing ink that did not contain harmful solvents. Derivan Block Ink is therefore non-toxic and easy to clean up, while still giving the feel of a professional-grade oil-based printing ink.

Derivan Block Ink is available in open mouth 250ml jars.

The consistency of Derivan Block Ink will always give you sharp, accurate prints.

Application

Derivan Block Ink has been formulated for lino and wood-block printing on paper with classroom teaching in mind. Derivan Block Ink will remain open on the block for some time but once printed will dry quickly to facilitate stacking of prints after each class. If a longer open time is required, mix the ink with Derivan Drying Retarder to slow the drying time.
 

Colour Mixing

All the colours may be intermixed to form bright secondary and tertiary colours. It is advisable to mix the colours with a spatula on a sheet of glass or other non-porous surface.

Permanency

All Derivan Block Inks have an ASTM rating of either 1-2, indicating excellent permanency. They are artist quality and completely lightfast so they will neither fade nor break down over time.

For reference, the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is a world-wide rating standard used to determine lightfast characteristics. The scale ranges from 1 (maximum lightfastness) to 5 (minimal lightfastness). This is important to determine if the paint will remain permanent over time.

Derivan Block Ink Medium & Extender

Block Ink Medium & Extender is a versatile medium which can be used in two ways to create fantastic relief prints.

Add to Derivan Block Ink colours to extend the colour and make them more transparent without loosing the "body" of your paint, as it would happen if you only added water. Just add from 1:9 to 9:1 ratio of Block Ink Medium & Extender to Derivan Block Ink colour. Up to about 1:1 ratio the colour will be extended, after this the colour will start to become more transparent, or
Add Matisse Structure Acrylics colours to the Block Ink & Extender to create block printing ink from the paint. A ratio of 1:1 Block Ink Medium & Extender to Matisse Structure Acrylic paint colours is recommended.

Clean Up

Wash all utensils, brayers, blocks, and hands with soap and water to clean up.

Removal of paints stains

Wet Stains: Place stained area of garment under a tap of cold running water, holding balance of garment above the stain so that the colour does not spread. After removing surplus ink, place wet garment on a towel and rub ordinary household soap into the stain, working the heavily soaped wet cloth area between your fingers in a rolling action, using the thumb and forefinger of each hand on either side of the stain. Do not rub the stain directly.

Wash the area under cold water and repeat procedure 2 or 3 times till all colouring is removed. Dry out wet garment by wrapping in a towel and twisting to remove excess moisture.

Dried Stains: Prepare a bucket or sink with lukewarm water, using plenty of household or laundry soap. Immerse the garment and let it soak for 15 minutes to wet out properly.

With the thumb and forefinger of each hand, slowly work the stain in a rolling action thereby releasing the paint and colour into the soapy water. Change the water as necessary and repeat washing action. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. Some stubborn stains may need to be soaked overnight. Do not boil, dry-clean or use chemical solvents or thinners. Do not iron over a stain. Do not machine wash. Keep stained garments separate from other washing.

Whenever possible, use cheap disposable plastic aprons or old clothing.

If clothes do get paint on them, try to get the paint out, as described above, while it is still wet. It is much easier to remove wet ink than paint that has dried.

Storage

Store Derivan Block Ink in a cool dark place with the lid firmly fastened. Kept correctly, the ink should last for several years. If the ink begins to dry out, mix in a small amount of distilled water to rejuvenate it.