How is Ink made?

               Ink is made from a pigment, or dye, and a liquid, called the vehicle, in which the dye is dissolved. 

              There are two chief types of ink: writing ink can be washable or permanent, and the ingredients used in its manufacture vary according to the colour wanted and the purpose for which it is needed.

               Blue-black inks are usually made from a dark-coloured solution and an extract of tannin. The dark solution is usually made from a soluble iron salt, such as ferrous sulphate. Blue dyes are added to blue-black inks to make it more attractive. Coloured inks contain other soluble dyes and the liquid vehicle is water. India ink is carbon black suspended in water and is usually used in drawing.

               Writing ink is made by purifying the water and then dissolving the other ingredients in it in large tanks. Afterwards the solution is clarified and then packaged in bottles.

               Printing inks are thicker than writing inks, often with a consistency like paint. The dyes are often dissolved in a heavy varnish.

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