
Gilsonite in Inks: FAQ
Which inks use gilsonite? Mainly black news, offset and some solvent inks. Does it dissolve in oil? Yes,…
Practical, expert articles on gilsonite in drilling fluids, asphalt, foundry, inks, paints, coatings and waterproofing.

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…
| Product | Particle size | Softening point (R&B) | Typical dosage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilsonite Lump | 0 – 50 mm (custom) | 150 – 220 °C | Depends on application. | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Gilsonite Granular | 1 – 5 mm | 150 – 200 °C | Asphalt: 4–12 % by weight of binder. | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Gilsonite Powder | 100 – 200 mesh | 150 – 220 °C | Drilling 2–8 lb/bbl · asphalt 4–12 % of binder · foundry 0.3–1.0 % | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Micronized Gilsonite | 300 – 600 mesh | 150 – 180 °C | Ink varnish: 20–40 % in oil. | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Drilling Fluid Grade Gilsonite | 75 – 200 µm | 160 – 220 °C (grades) | 2 – 8 lb/bbl | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Sulphonated Asphalt | — | — | 2 – 6 lb/bbl | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Cementing Grade Gilsonite | 75 – 200 µm | 160 – 220 °C | 5 – 15 % BWOC | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Asphalt Modifier Grade Gilsonite | Powder ≤ 200 mesh / granular 1–5 mm | 150 – 200 °C | 4 – 12 % by weight of binder | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Foundry Grade Gilsonite | 100 – 300 mesh | 150 – 200 °C | 0.3 – 1.0 % (iron) | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Ink & Paint Grade Gilsonite | 200 – 600 mesh | 150 – 180 °C | Ink varnish: 20–40 % in oil | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Coating & Waterproofing Grade Gilsonite | ≤ 200 mesh | 150 – 200 °C | 5 – 25 % of compound | Spec · MSDS · COA |
| Sealer & Filler Grade Gilsonite | ≤ 200 mesh | 150 – 180 °C | Sealer: 15 – 35 % | Spec · MSDS · COA |
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