pigment streaks

[sqslabs]

We used to have a lot of issues with this and realized that it was usually due to dried pigment around the inside edges of the container.  We now wash the tips before each use and it has helped immensely.  Using a drill press for mixing should help a bit as well if you aren't already.

White and black pigments have always been the most troublesome in my experience, and I stay away from white pigs altogether these days.  Matsui's 301M is a much better solution for standard WB inks and we use white discharge ink in place of white pigs for discharge mixes.  As for black, we'll go as far as to transfer pigment containers before mixing to ensure none of the dried pigment gets into the ink.

[ZooCity]

We never strain. Its all in how to contain and dispense the PCs. Hint: Its not in the manufacturers containers

Oh another riddle!  What kind of container prevents concentrated wb ink drying on the sidewalls or in the dispensing caps......

[sqslabs]

Oh another riddle!  What kind of container prevents concentrated wb ink drying on the sidewalls or in the dispensing caps......

I'll take a shot... an upside down one?

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

Or, it could be manufactured in a secret underground bunker made from 100% pure Unobtainium.

[Colin]

But it's unobtainable!

Condiment bottles are great for pigment dispensers.  Also if you can store a bottle up side down, even better.

Or.... do the parents here remember the baby formula bottles of old that used the plastic bag inserts?  It kept the babies from gulping down air.....

[tonypep]

Sorry if I am cagey however most know I am restricted here. Also know I encourage you all to free think. Storing/dispensing upside down is a perfect example of solving one problem that may result in causing others.
Pre-treatment is a term applied most often applied to many industrial applications. It certainly applies here.

[acescreen]

Once again great info from a great group of guys here in this forum!!! We use the CCI mixing pigments and have enjoyed it so far but the last few runs we've had this issue as well. I will definitely try straining and look for a better way to mix. 

Thanks for the sharing info guys!

[JBLUE]

Change out your pigments into bottles that do not build up dried pigment around the openings. Hard to do but it will stop the issue.

[mimosatexas]

Have a link?  I tried at least 5 different dropper style bottles and they all had issues with pigments drying and gunking up over time.

[JBLUE]

Have a link?  I tried at least 5 different dropper style bottles and they all had issues with pigments drying and gunking up over time.

We just wipe ours down before putting the cap on. We keep them very clean. The only time we run in to this is when the build up is not kept clean and some falls in during mixing. Just like anything else in the shop if its not kept clean it will cause issues at some point. We swap out the tops of the Rutand pigments righ away. The Magna pigment containers are just as bad. The tips we use are the same tips that are on the bottles on this link. We got them from a local vendor.  http://www.amazon.com/Fine-Tip-Squeeze-Bottle-Cap-Pack/dp/B001HKV682/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1432601794&sr=8-10&keywords=fine+tip+squeeze+bottle

[T Shirt Farmer]

pigments in ketchup bottle - fish tank or water tight container -  fit a  rectangle of  plastic coated wire 1/2" opening resting 2" off bottom of tank - fill with 4"water -place ketchup bottle tip down into water so the tip is in one of the holes in wire and will stand straight  up - half cap of Clorox in water every 2 weeks so it does not scum - I can almost guarantee you will not have dried chunks if the tip lives under water when not in use. I imagine if you are a high volume user like tony this may not be an issue but for the occasional WB user I think this pigment storage is the bomb. Part of Monday morning opening the shop is shaking ALL pigment containers as some colors may not be used for weeks at a time.