Akua Liquid Pigment Inks bring the freedom of water-based printmaking to your studio without compromise. Originally developed for monotype printmaking, these highly concentrated, lightfast inks are now a favourite for gel plate printing, Japanese woodcut, intaglio, relief printing, and painting on paper — all with effortless soap-and-water cleanup. Available in 21 colours, from rich blacks and earthy ochres to vibrant quinacridones and phthalos, Akua Liquid Pigments deliver strong, transparent colour that layers beautifully and stays true as it dries. Why Artists Love Akua Liquid Pigment Inks Stays wet on the plate — extended open time lets you work, blend, and rework your image without rushing Transparent, luminous colour — no chalk or suspending agents; pure pigment in a gum binder with honey for a vibrant, luminous finish Ideal for multi-layer printing — strong yet transparent colours build depth without muddying Water cleanup — no solvents needed; clean up with soap, water, and a rag Non-toxic — no cobalt dryers or harsh chemicals; safe for home and classroom studios Spill-proof squeeze bottle — twist-off cap for easy, controlled dispensing Perfect for Gel Plate Printing Akua Liquid Pigment Inks are specifically engineered to perform on gel printing plates, including Speedball Gel Printing Plates. Unlike oil-based inks, they absorb cleanly into paper fibres for crisp, vibrant prints — and unlike homemade gelatin plates, they won't break down the plate surface. Use with absorbent papers for best results; glossy or coated papers are not recommended. Printing Methods Print with an etching press or by hand using a Pin Press, baren, or spoon. Combine with Akua Liquid Pigment Modifiers — including Retarder, Blending Medium, Extender, and Tack Thickener — to fine-tune viscosity, open time, and coverage for your technique. Colour Range Choose from 21 lightfast colours: Lamp Black, Jet Black, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Blue Green, Phthalo Green Blue, Phthalo Green Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Scarlet Red, Quinacridone Red, Quinacridone Violet, Crimson Red, Pyrrole Orange, Lemon Yellow, Hansa Yellow, Diarylide Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Titanium White, Red Oxide, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, and Raw Umber. Specs Size: 4 oz (118 ml) squeeze bottle with spill-proof twist-off cap Binder: pure gum with honey — no fillers or dryers Dries by absorption into paper fibres Compatible with Speedball and other quality gel printing plates Not suitable for glossy or coated papers
Lamp Black, Jet Black, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green Yellow, Scarlet Red, Quinacridone Red, Quinacridone Violet, Phthalo Blue Green, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Green Blue, Crimson Red, Red Oxide, Titanium White, Pyrrole Orange, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Hansa Yellow, Diarylide Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber