MODIFIERS & RELEASE AGENT
Shop for Modifiers & Release Agent
Table of Contents
Introduction
Intaglio Transparent Base
Oil Converter (Ink Stiffener)
Blending Medium
Retarder
Tack Thickener
Extender
Release Agent
Metallic Ink (makes ink opaque)
Introduction
When using Akua inks for the first time, we recommend trying them right from the bottle or jar without modification. If necessary, the inks can be made thicker, thinner or more transparent with the addition of our various modifiers.
Transparent Base is Akua Intaglio Ink without the pigment. It can be used with both Akua Kolor and Akua Intaglio inks. Adding Akua Kolor to Transparent Base will thicken Akua Kolor and create new intaglio or relief colors. Adding Akua Intaglio ink to this base will increase ink transparency. Transparent Base is light amber in color with a thick consistency.Akua Kolo Instructions Akua Intaglio Instructions |
Oil Converter (Ink Stiffener) was formerly called Oil Converter. When mixed with Akua Intaglio, Akua Ink Stiffener adds depth to, and stiffens the ink. It is clear/white in color with a very stiff consistency. Cleans up with liquid dish detergent. Not suitable for use with Akua Kolor.*Akua Intaglio Instructions |
![]() Blending Medium is used with both Akua Kolor and Akua Intaglio ink. It is used to thin the ink for brushwork, wash effects or use it as a resist for viscosity monotypes. It is a clear, colorless liquid. It cleans up with water.Instructions Akua Kolor Istructions Akua Intaglio |
Retarder has two purposes. A few drops mixed into Akua Kolor helps transfer ink onto dry paper. Ideal for hot, dry or very cold studio conditions. It also retards Akua Kolor from drying on the monotype plate and therefore extends the working time. It is a clear liquid. Use with Akua Kolor only. It is not suitable for use with Akua Intaglio Inks. Retarder cleans up easily with water.Instructions |
Thick Thickener thickens Akua Kolor for heavier roll-up applications. It can be used for creating denser Akua Kolor roll-ups onto monotype plates or woodblocks. It is not as thick as Transparent Base or Akua Intaglio ink. It is medium amber in color with a thick consistency. Tack Thickener cleans up with soapy water.Instructions |
Extender is used to thin Akua Kolor if it has become too thick, for instance, it will re-constitute “air thickened” ink. It is to be used with Akua Kolor only and not with Akua Intaglio. It is thick liquid in consistency, and transparent in color.
|
|
1) It is required to release Akua Kolor brushwork from plate to paper when hand-printing monotypes with the Pin Press. 3) Release Agent helps soften the metallic ink so it can easily transfer off the plate and onto the paper. Roll Akua Release Agent over the metallic ink that was applied to the plate. Release Agent looks white in the jar but rolls up clear and colorless. It has a soft, buttery consistency and cleans up with liquid dish detergent. |
![]() ![]() |
Metallic Akua Intaglio Ink can used to make ink opaque. Mix a little Metallic Silver or Metallic Gold with any Akua Kolor or Akua Intaglio color. Use silver for cool colors and gold for warm colors. |






Release Agent has three purposes:
