Before we get into selecting the right solution for your press, let’s start with the basics. Simply put, fountain solutions help maintain proper ink/water balance so ink sticks to the image area, and not to the non-image area. They contain ingredients such as wetting agents, acid, buffers, plate conditioners, and in some cases, gum arabic, that help control and regulate proper pH and conductivity as well as ink/water balance. We'll talk more about pH and conductivity in another blog.
As you know, solutions are concentrated and need to be mixed with water. We always recommend distilled or RO water when mixing to maximize performance. Local water authorities add many different chemicals that can adversely affect solution performance. As seasons change, extra fungicides, chlorine, etc. are added, which is why fountains may suddenly stop working. Starting with the right water eliminates a lot of variables.
Wetting agents reduce surface tension and form a very thin film over the plate. Acid prevents ink from sticking to the non-image area, and buffers help stabilize and control the effects of alkaline paper and other press contaminants. Gum and plate conditioners desensitize the plate and prevent oxidation.
You might be asking yourself what this mean for you and your press.
For one thing, printing performance is best when ink/water balance is maintained throughout the press run. When pH and conductivity is consistent, you get good print quality. As pH and conductivity break down, ink starts to emulsify, rollers start stripping, and you end up with poor print quality. You then have to spend a lot of time and effort cleaning your press and remixing fountain solution.
The best thing you can do is select a solution that works well with your plates, ink, dampening system, and doesn’t break down quickly as paper, ink and other things enter the water system. Our fountains are ideal for presses up to 40" and most popular dampening systems.
We put together a handy chart that should be very helpful in determining which solution is best for your press, plates, and environmental conditions. For example, if your shop has very low humidity, you would benefit from the extra wetting solutions in SM Plus #3464 . It is especially helpful when using laser and silver plates that need a wetter solution to prevent toning.
Print shops with higher humidity may need a drier running solution so ink dries faster. We recommend Ultrafount #3476 in that situation.
Please click on this link to find out which products are right for you.
https://www.burnishine.com/fountain_solution_selection_chart
As always, contact us with any questions. We’d be delighted to help!