Printmakingblog

Graphic Chemical & Ink Company is a world leader in the fine art field of printmaking. We manufacture our own time-tested inks for etching, litho and relief printing, as well as sell screen print inks, papers, tools, chemistry, plates and supplies for all of a printmaker's needs

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Location: Villa Park, Illinois, United States

I have worked for Graphic Chemical & Ink Company since 1968 - with a brief hiatus(almost 4 years) to travel the World courtesy of my uncle. Sadly it turns out it was my Uncle Sam, and I wasn't too thrilled about the places that he chose to send me. My wife and I have run Graphic Chemical for many years, and have enjoyed the travel that comes with the position. We get to meet our customers (and the occasional vendor) from all over the World

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US


Just 10 days to go!! Actually, by the time many of you read this it will be upon us. Now, you might ask what - and you'd be justified in asking that.

On December 10, 1920, some ninety years ago. The letters of incorporation from the State of Illinois were completed, and Graphic Chemical & Ink Company came into being. We were yet to become the leader in the printmaking world that we are today. In fact printmakers took a while to find us. Originally Graphic sold primarily to letterpress printers and commercial engravers. Those of you who know the story can join in right here if you'd like. The engravers used inks that were excellent for printmakers doing intaglio work, and the letterpress inks were great for block printers.

Great story, but what does it mean for the 21st century printmaker? Mostly, the anniversary means savings. As we try to modernize our facility, it becomes necessary to create some space where none really has existed for many years. In an effort to do that we've begun the process of peaking into the scary areas where no one has ventured for quite some time.

By no means is it a definitive list, but we've come up with a number of sales that are reminiscent of what prices looked like in the '20's - well sort of what they looked like. For example, we have a stock of Flat Gravers #42 that would list today for $11.50, but we've found some old stock that is in great shape that we can offer for just $3.50! That is waaay below our cost for today's tools.

The same offer is available for the Flat Graver #44 - just $3.50 for the entire month of December. A #5 Knife Graver which currently sells for $10.50 is also $3.50. Each of these tools is as long as supplies last, but we're in good shape on all of them, so I don't expect them to disappear too fast.

Another find was some discontinued Charbonnel stocks and some overstocks of current items from our distinguished French competitor.

Lamour Black Satin Hard Ground (250 ml) lists for $15.85 is available for as long as stocks last for just $8.00. The Lamour Black Covering Ground, which is discontinued, listed for $60.00 in the one liter size but we're selling what is left in our stock for just $20.00.

How about all in-stock Createx colors available for 25% off?

Lascaux is one of the premier manufacturers of acrylic based paints and resists, so we don't want to leave them out of our extravaganza. We'll offer all in stock Lascaux Resonance colors , Pastelground and all Lascaux Studio Acrylics at 25% off our already low list prices.
In fact, I'll expand it to all Lascaux colors in stock in any line!

There will be more items offered to our sale during the month. Look for them here on my blog, or on the Graphic bulletin board. While the sales prices won't show up online, if you mention the code 90thSale when you order online. Anything that is on your order that has a sale price will be given that discount automatically (if automatically means that someone in our order entry department manually overrides the price!)

To keep the lawyers happy - all sales items are offered on in stock products only, and all sales are final.

We have truly appreciated our customers. We didn't get to be 90 years old by ourselves. It is almost cliche to say that we couldn't have done it without you, but it's also very true. Thanks