Visconti Black Smudge Prone

[PatientType]

I acquired a bottle of Visconti black ink boxed with a Visconti pen. I've now used the ink with three or four pens and a variety of paper. The ink is dark and flows well. However, the ink seems quite smudge prone. This is not just a matter of slow drying ink that smears. It is an ink that, when handled hours after being applied, leaves black smudges on the paper when touched. This is an ink that, as you're adding notes to something you wrote earlier in the day smudges beneath your palm.

This characteristic must not be all that widespread as a look at ink reviews reveals that there is much focus on drying time, degree of water resistance, and feathering. I don't think I've seen an ink downgraded or criticized for its propensity to leave smudges.

Do other folks have issues with smudging? Have you experienced it with other inks? Has anyone else discontinued use of Visconti inks for this reason? I think I'm ready to toss the rest of this bottle.

 

[Tylerjordan]

I've not used any Visconti inks but I have had the same issue with J. Herbin Perle Noir. It's very frustrating.

Edited August 20, 2014 by Tylerjordan

[Sasha Royale]

Try ink of another manufacture, using the same paper. If it behaves similarly, then blame the paper. Try different papers.

No hurry getting rid of the Visconti ink. You can always give it to someone you don't like.

 

Thanks for keeping us posted.

[WilsonCQB1911]

As a lefty, I'm particularly sensitive to this issue. I find it especially problematic with the more saturated inks. Private Reserve is a brand that, as a whole, I can't seem to use at all due to this. Graf von Faber-Castell's Carbon Black also does this to me, as does Aurora Black. I've had issues with Diamine inks because of this as well. As I write, I'll collect the ink on the bottom of my hand and smear it on the paper. It won't matter how long these inks have sat to dry, as there seems to be enough dye component on top to allow for this. The paper, and nib, of course, have an affect on how bad the issue is. Wetter and wider nibs create more problems. More ink-resistant papers likewise create more of an issue.

 

I've found Noodler's, oddly enough, to be safe from this - at least the ones I've tried, as well as DeArtramentis. From there it depends on the individual ink. Like Organic Studio's Blue Merle, Blue Crab, and Oscar's Copper don't give me any trouble. Montblanc Mystery Black does, but to a lesser extent.

 

Hmm... well, I'm babbling on, but you get the idea.

[doggonecarl]

Sorry, I don't have that problem with my Visconti Black.

 

My worst offender for smearing is Noodler's 5 O'clock Shadow, but only in select pens.

[A144]

While I haven't used any Visconti ink, smudging is a problem that doesn't get mentioned much in reviews.

 

As WilsonCQB said, Private Reserve inks tend to be the worst offenders in my experience. Ebony Purple was like endlessly smudgy, and Tanzanite does on some papers. I haven't had any issues with Blue Suede yet.

[WilsonCQB1911]

While I haven't used any Visconti ink, smudging is a problem that doesn't get mentioned much in reviews.

 

As WilsonCQB said, Private Reserve inks tend to be the worst offenders in my experience. Ebony Purple was like endlessly smudgy, and Tanzanite does on some papers. I haven't had any issues with Blue Suede yet.

 

Ah, Ebony Purple. I got a sample of this and had the same problem. It just smudged like that was what it was made to do. Between that, and not really seeing a distinction between it and black, I flushed the pen and haven't looked back.

[Rocket1]

I've got the visconti black and I don't think it's been a problem with mine.

 

It does happen with my noodlers la couleur royale though.

[Jackson]

No black, but Visconti brown behaves well for me. Aurora blue will smear for days, though...