Making inks?

[ErikB]

Anyone know how to make inks or what brands in the USA still exist?  I've found a few examples on the 'net but nobody seems to be able to agree on what's an ink and what's a wash (or what's an ink wash). 

I am referring specifically to *inks* like GW used to make. 

My intention is to use a very thin flesh ink on faces and hands to add definition to places like lips and between fingers, then use a GW wash in a normal manner.  Then, highlight.

Similar idea for the metal details on guns.  An inking for the crevices, then a normal black wash, then highlight.

[Aaron]

In the US you can get Windsor and Newton and maybe another brand at the Michaels craft store chain. Art shops should have a selection also. You probably aren't going to find a "flesh" ink, but I used to use W&N chesnut and/or peat browns for that.

[ErikB]

Great idea, Aaron.  Great little morning walk to Michaels.  Just around the corner.

[Mr. Peabody]

You might also want to consider the excellent acrylic inks from Daler Rowney and Liquitex.
Most inks really need diluting and that can be done with water + matte medium. The benefit being that matte medium will prevent the usual gloss or satin finish of the ink from dominating. The addition of a little acrylic flow-release will help prevent the creation of 'rings' as the ink dries.
About half way down this page I post a recipe for a basic 'Wash Mix' ideal for use with inks and any paint you would like to thin down to ink-like consistency.

TR