Wolstenholme International has launched a new range of water-based metallic inks and a software addition for Adobe PhotoShop which integrates them into the design process.
The latest Unipak inks have an increased brilliance due to improved pigments. Wolstenholme marketing services manager, Helen Middleton, said that the range is brighter than standard metallic offset inks because it is water-based and therefore able to carry larger bronze powder particles. This results in better printability and image coverage while minimising foaming problems. Its cheaper than foil in terms of materials and production. Its also an in-line process so the turnaround is quicker, said Middleton.
Traditionally metallic inks have been used by designers as a final decorative touch but Wolstenholmes WISE software makes it easy to incorporate them into designs, said Middleton. The software, which is a series of pre-programmed PhotoShop macros, can also enhance non-metallic images to create subtle, eye-catching effects. WISE can divide an image into its constituent colours and then add variable amounts of gold to yellow and silver to grey depending on the finish required.
The Unipak series of inks is suitable for the gravure, flexo and offset processes.