inkAID gives creative digital artists the opportunity to create unlimited types of surfaces on which to print including traditional fine art papers, metal, plastic and wood veneer. Printing on uncoated papers can result in ink bleeding into the fibres of the substrate resulting in poor saturation and unsharp images. inkAid provides a site for the ink to bind to the surface of the sbstrate. You can obtain a sharp image and excellent colour saturation while still maintaining the texture and character of the underlying substrate. inkAid opens up a whole range of media to inkjet printing.

We have experimented with printing on timber veneers and handmade papers from the Burnie Paper Mill. We completed a project with The Wilderness Gallery in 2009 to produce an exhibition on these papers using inkAid and an Epson 7800. This was part of the Ten Days on the Island festival held in Tasmania.

inkAid is available in a variety of precoats. We are stocking 3 of these but have access to the whole range.

White Matte Precoat

White matte precoat gives a beautiful very flat and bright white surface. It goes on clear and dries white. One coat is enough on smooth, hard surfaces like gesso; two coats may be needed on more porous surfaces, like paper. With pigmented inks it creates a water resistant finish which allows overpainting of acrylic based varnishes.

Clear Semi Gloss Precoat

A favorite for artists coating surfaces where they want to preserve the color or image beneath the precoat. One coat is usually sufficient if carefully applied to cover all areas evenly. Very porous surfaces may need more coats, or you can seal the surface with acrylic medium before applying the precoat.

Clear Gloss Precoat Type II

This new Clear Gloss Precoat Type II was specially formulated to eliminate the need for adhesive when applying to a non-absorbent surface like aluminum or Plexiglas. Use two coats, the second applied perpendicularly to the first when it is completely dry. Sample Pack We also stock a sample pack containing 6 120ml bottles, 1 each of White Matte, Clear Semi Gloss, Clear Gloss Type II, Clear Gloss, Iridescent Gold and Adhesive (for adding gloss precoat to non porous surfaces such as glass or metal).