Copying Ink (for use without a press by simply pressing and rubbing with the hand), by Prof. Attfield, F.R.S.—Use ink of any kind of extra strength. This in many cases can be made by evaporating common ink down to six tenths of its volume. Then mix with it two thirds of its volume of glycerine, so as to restore the original volume.
White Ink.—Barium sulphate, or “flake white” is mixed with gum arabic water of sufficient thickness to keep it suspended, at least while in use. Starch or magnesium carbonate or other white powder may be used instead of the barium sulphate. The powder must be of impalpable fineness.
White Ink on Blue Paper.—A solution of oxalic acid in water is used for this purpose. It may be applied with a rubber stamp or with a common pen. A quill or gold pen is the best as a steel pen is soon corroded. The ink bleaches the paper wherever it touches it, giving white lines on a blue ground.
Gold Ink.—Gold leaf with honey is ground up in a mortar, best an agate mortar, or on a painters’ slab with a muller. It is added to water, and thoroughly mixed and at once poured off from the first sediments, filtered out, and washed. This is done to secure the impalpably finely ground gold only. The resulting powder is mixed with a suitable vehicle, such as white varnish or gum arabic water.
Silver Ink.—As above, using silver leaf.
Zinc Label Ink.—I. Verdigris, 1 part; ammonium chloride, 1 part; lamp-black, ½ part; water, 10 parts.
II. Platinum bichloride, 1 part; gum arabic, 1 part; water, 10 parts.
Diamond Ink for Etching Glass.—This consists essentially of hydrofluoric acid mixed with barium sulphate to the consistency of cream. The barium sulphate is quite inoperative except as giving a body to prevent the ink from spreading. It is applied with a rubber stamp or pen and allowed to remain for ten minutes or until dry. On removal of the white powder, the design will be found etched on the glass. The following is a formula for it.
Saturate hydrofluoric acid with ammonia, add an equal volume of hydrofluoric acid and thicken with barium sulphate in fine powder.