[7453K]

okay, so im making this ink, its naphtha based, but for it to stain, i need to add stainers such as methylene blue or gentian violet, but those two are in alcohol or water solutions, so when i mix it in it just separates. what can i do so that it doesn't separate? if i boil them together will they mix better?

also, if i wanted to make an ink that has a very low surface tension, so that it doesn't bead up, whats the best solvent to use? i know i want weak attraction forces, but im not sure whats the best to use. ive also heard adding polyamid resins makes ink adhere to the surface better, but how does it do this?

[Borek]

if i boil them together will they mix better?

No, that's the only thing that is obvious.

[P]

also, if i wanted to make an ink that has a very low surface tension, so that it doesn't bead up, whats the best solvent to use?

This is more to do with lowering the surface tension of the ink.  You can do this by adding a small percentage of a suitable surfactant or another solvent with such properties.

[7453K]

so boiling wont help it mix? because i know it helps when mixing like bases, because the boiling is basically a more thorough mixing if you do it right.

and for the surface tension, you say if i add a small amount of something like methanol to water it wont bead up? because ive had many experiences with inks where even just the small amount of water from the stainer i add makes it bead up.

[P]

Methanol might work??  I don't know - you'll have to try a couple out.  Butyl Glycol seems to lower ST quite well in water formulations I have. Maybe some more surfactant. You might look for a surfactant designed to lower ST.