
Gilsonite in Inks: FAQ
Which inks use gilsonite? Mainly black news, offset and some solvent inks. Does it dissolve in oil? Yes,…
Gilsonite in printing inks: varnish making, carbon black dispersion, news inks and quality checks.

Which inks use gilsonite? Mainly black news, offset and some solvent inks. Does it dissolve in oil? Yes,…

Use this checklist when qualifying a new supplier or lot. Quarantine the lot, inform the supplier with test…

Proper storage maintains quality from receipt to production. Gilsonite powder stored dry in original bags keeps its properties…

Even low-ash gilsonite contains small insoluble particles. Filtration is essential. Hot varnish and solvents require heat-resistant gloves and…

Beyond printing inks, gilsonite finds use in several specialty marking products. Deep black colour, good adhesion and solubility…

Ink manufacturers face rising costs for pigments and resins. Gilsonite offers savings. Compare cost per kilogram of ink…

Many printers prefer inks based on soy or other vegetable oils to reduce mineral oil content. Gilsonite dissolves…

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

High-speed presses throw ink mist and demand stable ink behaviour on rollers. Gilsonite varnish adds body and improves…

Heatset inks for magazines and catalogues dry in hot ovens. Black heatset inks can include gilsonite. Use grades…

Solvent-based flexo and gravure inks for packaging sometimes use gilsonite in black shades. Dissolve gilsonite in the solvent…

Ink makers need tighter specifications than many other users. When writing a purchase specification, include: Make a standard…
| Property | Typical value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark brown–black powder | Visual |
| Softening point (R&B) | 150 – 180 °C | ASTM D36 |
| Ash content, max | 3 % | ASTM D3174 |
| Moisture, max | 1 % | ASTM D95 |
| Solubility in toluene, min | 99 % | ASTM D2042 |
| Particle size | 200 – 600 mesh | Sieve |
| Typical dosage | Ink varnish: 20–40 % in oil | |
| Packing | 25 kg paper bags with PE liner, palletized. | |
Typical values. The final specification is confirmed in the COA of each shipment.
Get a quotation, samples and full documentation (TDS, MSDS, COA) within 24 hours.