Caligo Cranfield Safe Wash Relief Ink — 75ml Prussian Blue, oil-based, quick-drying, soap-cleanup

Caligo Cranfield Safe Wash Relief Ink 75ml in Prussian Blue is an artist-grade, oil-based relief ink that dries quickly, prints transparently, and rinses away with soap and water for safer studio cleanup.

This 75ml tube of Prussian Blue from Caligo Cranfield is formulated for relief and block printing techniques such as linocut, woodcut, wood engraving and letterpress. Made in the UK with lightfast pigments and under 1% driers, the ink balances traditional oil-based handling with a safer clean-up routine that uses liquid soap and water instead of harsh solvents. The pigment-rich formula yields clear, transparent colour and consistent viscosity for both detailed impressions and subtle tonal layering.

How does this ink perform for detailed block printing?

The Prussian Blue formulation is designed to give crisp, precise impressions on a variety of relief surfaces. Its moderate viscosity allows for excellent pickup on rollers and even transfer from hard and soft blocks, making it suitable for fine line work and textured crisply-edged prints alike.

• Transparent Prussian Blue pigment for clean overlays and glazing
• Stable consistency for predictable inking and even coverage
• Quick drying compared to heavier oils—faster turnarounds between pulls

Can I clean up with soap and water instead of solvents?

Yes — despite being oil-based, Caligo’s Safe Wash inks are formulated to emulsify with liquid soap and water for cleanup, reducing the need for odoriferous solvents in the studio. This makes them a practical choice for classrooms, shared studios, and home setups where ventilation or solvent disposal is a concern.

• Wipe excess ink with paper towel then wash tools with liquid soap
• Suitable for brayers, palettes and basic equipment without solvents
• Lowers airborne solvent exposure and simplifies studio maintenance

Is this ink lightfast and suitable for archival work?

Caligo Cranfield uses lightfast pigments to give dependable colour stability for prints meant to last. While archival permanence also depends on paper, printing method and storage, this Prussian Blue offers strong pigment quality for artworks intended to retain tone and hue over time.

• Lightfast pigment selection for long-term colour retention
• Transparent quality allows layered printing and glazing techniques
• Less than 1% driers to preserve pigment integrity and tone

How much ink does a 75ml tube cover and how should I store it?

A 75ml tube is a handy size for small to medium print runs, experiments, and mixed-media uses. Store it capped in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight; squeeze out only what you need onto a palette to keep the remaining ink fresh between sessions.

• 75ml ideal for practice editions, students, or limited runs
• Re-seal tube tightly to slow drying and skin formation
• Keep in moderate temperatures; avoid freezing or high heat

Who is this for: Caligo Cranfield Safe Wash Relief Ink in Prussian Blue suits printmakers who want the handling and finish of an oil-based relief ink while minimizing solvent use. It’s a strong fit for art students, classroom programs, independent printmakers, and studio artists who prioritize lightfast pigments, cleanable materials, and consistent performance across linocut, woodcut, engraving and letterpress projects.