Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Etching Ink – 6 × 75 ml Colour Set

Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Etching Ink Set

This six-tube set brings together a colour-mixing palette for etching and other intaglio printmaking. Caligo Safe Wash Etching inks are based on linseed oil, so they handle like traditional oil-based inks while allowing plates and tools to be cleaned with liquid soap and cold water.

What is included?

• Process Blue (Cyan), 75 ml
• Process Red (Magenta), 75 ml
• Process Yellow, 75 ml
• Carbon Black, 75 ml
• Opaque White, 75 ml
• Transparent Extender, 75 ml

The set contains five coloured inks and an extender. The three process colours provide a starting point for mixing a wider palette, while black and white help adjust shades and tints. Extender reduces colour strength and increases transparency; it is useful when exploring layered colour or making a strong mixture less intense.

Prepare, proof and print

Choose dedicated printmaking paper and make a small proof before beginning an edition. The ink can be printed onto dry or damp paper, but avoid surface water on the sheet or plate. Cranfield recommends keeping damp paper fairly dry; moistening only its reverse with a sponge is one suggested approach.

Keep notes of colour proportions when developing mixtures so the colour can be repeated for subsequent prints. Drying depends on the paper, ink thickness and studio conditions, so assess a test print rather than relying on a fixed drying time.

Clean up and store

Remove excess ink first, then work liquid soap or detergent directly into the inky surfaces. Wipe away the mixture with a cold-water-damp sponge or paper towel, rinse as needed and dry the equipment before storage. Water alone may leave residue, and Cranfield advises against hot water. Keep tube threads clean, replace caps firmly and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Helpful guides

Understanding intaglio printing · Choosing a printmaking press