Polymetaal

Graphic Chemical Burnt Plate Oil in cans

The most common modifier for etchers is Burnt Plate Oil . Depending upon the grade chosen, you can reduce the body of the ink, or body it up without significantly changing the tack. The lower the number, the thinner the plate oil. Corn Starch is also commonly used to stiffen inks. Burnt Plate Oil is raw linseed oil burnt to certain temperatures used in mixing inks and changing ink viscosity. Etching inks must be deluted, if required, with an oil that has the similar character as the etching inks, but with a slightly lighter body. Boiled oil should not be used, because it makes the ink sticky, and makes wiping more difficult.