This is my first attempt to contribute to this terrific network. Thanks to everyone for providing so much valuable information and advice. I’ve been absorbing a ton.

I always preferred Waterman Florida Blue, until I learned here about PR DC SuperShow Blue. I really like both now. But then I learned about waterproof, “bulletproof” inks, and I decided I needed a nice waterproof blue that is close to Waterman Florida Blue and/or PR DC SuperShow Blue. As many have noted, Luxury Blue dries to a sort of dull blue. I have noticed some nice blue recipes here and wanted something waterproof with a deeper blue color.

I decided to focus on combining Noodler’s Luxury Blue with PR DCSSB and PR Tanzanite (which I also like). I came up with the following:

50% Noodler’s Luxury Blue + 25% PR DCSS Blue + 25% PR Tanzanite

I call this mix ”Super Lux” Blue (in recognition of the two blues used.) Super Lux Blue is waterproof and dries to a deep, rich blue with a tinge of purple that is very subtle. This is now my all purpose, everyday ink.

The scan shows some dip tests made with a Waterman Exception medium nib. There are also some cotton tip swabs to better illustrate the color differences. (I am still learning about scanners and ink photos.)

I hope you’ll consider trying this recipe. Good luck!

(Note: I also tried to use Polar Blue, but I didn’t care for the results nearly as much as with Luxury Blue.)

DennisU

WHOA! Did you make a waterprroof DC Supershow Blue replica???? That is my favorite ink and your scan sure looks like a match to me. Is it true? Even if not, it looks like a great color. I just need some Luxury Blue which was on my list anyway.

Thanks MicheleB. It's not exactly DC SuperShow Blue, but it's as close as I could find. While Luxury Blue is more expensive, I think that mixing it this way doubles the volume and retains a good waterproof character. In my tests, it fades a little in water, but remains very prominent and legible.

That looks really nice! If you only want water resistance and not bullet-proof, you might substitute Namiki blue for the Lux blue. It's water-proof and nicer looking (IMHO) than Lux blue.

Thanks Lloyd. I will definitely give Namiki blue a try!

It is my impression that Luxury Blue is an excellent "mixing" ink in that it takes on the "personality" of the other inks you mix with it.

I am including the water test results here. I immersed my sample page in fairly hot/warm water (about 100 degrees) for 5 minutes. Of course, what is left is the luxury blue color.

Very nice! I wonder if you used 1/3 of each if it would look more like a waterproof Waterman Florida Blue?

Ron

Thanks Ron.

I think fjf got much closer to an approach for a Waterman Florida Blue in his recipe:

Here

I think I would try Florida Blue combined with Luxury Blue without the South Seas Blue.

His recipe was a major inspiration for me.

If I were to lower the Luxury Blue to 33%, my guess is that it would be a darker, more intense blue, but with less "staying power" when exposed to water. Don't know for sure, but I'll play around with it the next time I pull out my PR ink mixing kit.

I've used one third of each of the following Noodlers inks for a waterproof ink similar to Waterman's Florida Blue:

Swishers/Noodlers Glacier Blue
Noodlers Blue
Noodlers La Couleur Royale.

It's pretty close, but I like your mix as well.

Ron

Ron:

I see. I'll give your portions a try. Thanks again!

Dennis

Great mix, Dennis! Thanks for sharing the fruits of your labor.

It would be interesting to see another WP blue used in place of Lux blue, given how pricey it is, to make the mix less costly to make. Great stuff, though!

Gotta ask, how quick does it dry? For me as a lefty, I've been warned to stay away from DC SSB as it dries rather slowly.

Thanks Southpaw. You raise two good points.

Great mix! I happen to have bottles of all three inks and I'll give it a go this weekend...

If you want a cheaper permanent grey to play with, just dilute noodlers black (10%) in water.

(sorry, got posted twice... don't know how to delete)

Yes, I also like it (and use it every day). The luxury blue is lifeless, but this allows for mixing with any other nicer blue and the resulting color is usually similar to it, brighter and usable. An ugly ink to use alone, but a great ink to mix!.

Regards.

Just made the mix and like it a lot. Good color and properties.

This is great stuff. I wondered why pendemonium's warns:
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Note: If you mix the bulletproof inks with regular ink,
they will lose their properties, and revert to regular ink!
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Yet, mixing clearly does work!?

I would try it now, but only have one (1) ink. lol (PR-Amer.Blue)
(I'm very new to FP's) So, my next ink will be either Lux. Blue
or Legal Lapis (wonder if LL works too) and do a 50/50 mix with those.
The LL needs a 'blue boost' as well, it seems. Plus it's bulletproof.

I like Legal Lapis a lot, but I wouldn't know what to expect in a mix.

Luxury Blue works great in mixes, but is a little expensive. Noodler Glacier Blue (Swisher exclusive) works basically the same as Luxury blue, but is less expensive.

Good luck!

Hi Dennis,

I like your mixture. I've been trying for something very similar and think you may have solved my problems. However, Lux blue is quite ill-behaved for me in that it bleeds through quite badly. Does this mixture improve it's behaviour?

Thanks
S