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How To Dilute Ink

AtomicLeo

By AtomicLeo
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AtomicLeo Extremely Rare

AtomicLeo

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I bought a bottle of Noodler's 54th Massaschusetts ink. I love the color, but it makes every pen I have used it in a hard starter. I am thinking that diluating the ink may give the same color, although a bit faded, but much better behaved ink. I have never diluted ink before. What's a good ratio to start with? Is it better to make a batch or dilute the ink when you fill? Should I use distilled water? Our water here is full of minerals.

Atomic Leo

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LamyOne Extremely Rare

LamyOne

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Hello Atomic Leo,

 

I would recommend distilled water; I live in an area that is mineral and iron rich, and it will really pay off in the long run if you only use distilled water to flush your pens or dilute ink.

 

One quick note on diluting ink- when you dilute the ink, you also dilute the chemicals in the ink that aid in flow, water increases surface tension - so, if you dilute it, it may remain a "hard starter," you may want to add a drop (or two) of clear dish soap to the bottle to enhance the flow properties.

 

In fact, you may want to try adding a drop (or two) of dish soap BEFORE you dilute; that alone may solve the flow problems you're having. This is an old trick we used to do, but you may want to hang around - the other members here may know something better... :D

 

Hope this helps. :)

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

Edited by LamyOne

- He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me; and I in him. (JN 6:57)

- "A woman clothed in the sun," (REV 12.1); The Sun Danced at Fatima, Portugal; October 13, 1917.

- Thank you Blessed Mother and St. Jude for Graces and Blessings obtained from Our Lord.

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Sandy1 Donor Pen

Sandy1

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Hi,

 

Please refer to Dilution - A Rough Guide @ Post № 23 : https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/218161-need-help-selecting-my-first-japanese-pens/?p=2315439

My wee Ink Review of N54M & Replies discuss problems with start-up, diluting that ink, along with some atrocious Written Samples : https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/255965-noodlers-54-massachusetts/?p=2825711

 

Contrary to Member LamyOne, I do not support long-term use of washing-up liquid for use as a surfactant, I prefer Kodak PhotoFlo or an equivalent B+W photo film wetting agent. One reason I do not support long-term use of washing-up liquid is that the ingredients and potency can vary tremendously. Other reasons have to do with the inclusion of 'grease cutters' which may be quite aggressive, especially for vintage/sac/diaphragm pens; and the persistent 'finishing agents' that give a spot-free shiny appearance of china, crystal, silverware, etc. can make for problems with ink flow by altering the ink chemistry (contamination) and/or the surface properties (wettability) of the nib, feed & collector.

 

Bye,

S1

Edited by Sandy1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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LamyOne Extremely Rare

LamyOne

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Hello Sandy1,

 

Thanks a lot for the update; I figured they would have come up with something better by now- but dish soap is what we used in the dark old days. :D Any recommendations on where to get the PhotoFlo? (I do not know any good camera shops).

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

Edited by LamyOne

- He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me; and I in him. (JN 6:57)

- "A woman clothed in the sun," (REV 12.1); The Sun Danced at Fatima, Portugal; October 13, 1917.

- Thank you Blessed Mother and St. Jude for Graces and Blessings obtained from Our Lord.

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LamyOne Extremely Rare

LamyOne

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Hello Diderot,

 

Thank you very much for the links - I really appreciate it! :D

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

- He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me; and I in him. (JN 6:57)

- "A woman clothed in the sun," (REV 12.1); The Sun Danced at Fatima, Portugal; October 13, 1917.

- Thank you Blessed Mother and St. Jude for Graces and Blessings obtained from Our Lord.

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Diderot Extremely Rare

Diderot

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Hello Diderot,

 

Thank you very much for the links - I really appreciate it! :D

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

 

You can only buy these in large volumes - a litre is a lot.

Were you in England, I'd have sent you a vial which would have lasted you a lifetime.

Good luck.

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LamyOne Extremely Rare

LamyOne

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You can only buy these in large volumes - a litre is a lot.

Were you in England, I'd have sent you a vial which would have lasted you a lifetime.

Good luck.

 

Hello Diderot,

 

Thank you for the kind offer, (if I had resided in England), but that's okay, I'll drink whatever I can't use for my pens. :rolleyes:

 

Thanks again,

 

Chris

- He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me; and I in him. (JN 6:57)

- "A woman clothed in the sun," (REV 12.1); The Sun Danced at Fatima, Portugal; October 13, 1917.

- Thank you Blessed Mother and St. Jude for Graces and Blessings obtained from Our Lord.

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Sandy1 Donor Pen

Sandy1

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Posted (edited)

Hi,

 

I was remiss not to mention that our friends at Organics Studio have brought to market a flow enhancer specifically for FP inks.

Ladies, gentlemen and those of tender years - "Cuddles Flo-plus, the all-in-one ink additive."

 

It might be the case that stateside Vendors of other inky products from OS offer sample-size vials - more of a bizou than a proper cuddle.

 

Bye,

S1

Edited by Sandy1

The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

 

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