Preparing Inks for printing

[Binkspot]

We use an Oster stand mixer with dough hooks for mixing PMS colors, have 10 mixing bowls to go with it. Most of the time we just hold quart containers and gallon buckets under it like making a milk shake. Nice thing about using the bowls is you can turn it on and walk away while its mixing. I suppose an inexpensive drill press would do the same.  Use the dough hooks in the drill to stir up ink in the buckets also. The mixer has stood up to poly on a cold winter morning.

[Chadwick]

Most of my inks only get a stirring before each use.
Curable reducer gets added for heavy pigment colors sometimes, depends on the job.

I want a paint shaker for 'raw' pigments..not sure if it would work or not?

[Zelko-4-EVA]

I want a paint shaker for 'raw' pigments..not sure if it would work or not?

we use the Wilflex PC system - i have shaken half gallons of pigment, but not full.  i was told by a distributor that the plasticizers that rise to the top can find their way through the lid even if sealed.

i pour off half into another bucket, stir the new bucket, and then put in shaker.  once the pigment solids are dispersed a bit, i add back the PC that i poured off and shake again. 

[mk162]

If you have a floor and decor near you they sell concrete mixers....they are similar to the dough mixers, just made for mixing grout and mortar.

[tonypep]

Sneaking this one in: Indco

[bimmridder]

TONY, GET BACK TO WORK!!!

[mk162]

or I'l tattle again!!!

[Chadwick]

Thanks folks.

Don't like it much when the pigment starts to solidify, or worse.. turn to sticky sludge.
I don't mix custom colors often enough, but then again, I still need it around for when I do.
Must keep it viable for some time.

Anyone care to share what the actual medium is for pigment?
I use Wilflex PC stuff, but I'd imagine it's all similar. (?)
Cheers.