Ink–Water Balance in Offset Printing and Gilsonite

In offset lithography, ink and fountain solution must coexist on the plate. Gilsonite affects emulsification.

Why balance matters

Too much water causes washed-out prints; too little causes scumming.

Gilsonite effects

Gilsonite is hydrophobic and helps reduce excessive water pick-up, giving more stable emulsification.

Testing

Use a lithotronic or duke emulsification tester to compare formulations.

Ideal behaviour

Offset inks should take up a limited, stable amount of fountain solution and release it easily. Too much water causes weak, washed-out prints; too little causes scumming.

Gilsonite’s effect

Gilsonite is hydrophobic, which helps limit excessive water pick-up and stabilizes the emulsion.

Testing

Adjust gilsonite and other resins to reach the target emulsification curve.

See ink grade gilsonite. Related: runability and misting.