Based on my reading on this board, I picked up some Waterman Florida Blue at Paradise Pens in the King of Prussia Mall, thinking that it would be a good "everyday blue" for correcting rough drafts, for example. I really like the look when it is wet, but after it dries it's not as appealing.

So, my question is: Is there an ink that, when dry, looks like Waterman Florida Blue looks when wet?

I too like the look of wet Florida Blue, but I hate the faded color that I see an hour later. The closest that I have found so far is Visconti Blue, which doesn't fade like the Waterman. However, it lacks the purple tinge of Florida Blue. Looking at scans online, Diamine Sapphire Blue looks like a possible candidate.

Most inks change colour somewhat as they dry, but more saturated inks at least don't turn insipid. For a fairly close match, but a bit darker, try Private Reserve's Black Magic Blue (dilute it 3:1 ink:water to avoid the slow dry/smearing problems saturated inks can have). Among less saturated inks, perhaps Aurora Blue. (I share your reaction to Florida Blue - much the same thing happens to many other standard blues, including Sheaffer's, Diamine Imperial Blue (and I dare say other Diamine blues).)

Simon

The PR blues are definitely more saturated than Florida Blue and remain vibrant when dry. American Blue is the darker blue and Lake Placid is lighter like Florida Blue, but remains brighter after it dries. I would like to second Visconti, too. Personally, I have no problems with there being fewer purple tones in these blues. Most blues have purplish tones - it's the true blue that's hardest to find!

I think you will like Aurora blue. The color of waterman FL blue, when wet, is almost the exact color with a hint of purple. Aurora blue stays that way, but waterman fades to a blue without that purple tint. Just my 2cents.

I have to recommend Aurora Blue. I used it tonight and compared it with half a letter written in Aurora and then Waterman Florida Blue. Based on what your looking for, I would go with Aurora Blue.

I take it that your school board strongly advises against correcting any papers with red ink?

Ha! Not quite. I'm correcting my own work. I usually write the first draft on my computer, print it out, and then correct it by hand. I think blue is the best color for corrections, because it can be pleasant looking. Red can give off a harsher feeling when reading the corrections and fixing them on the computer, I find.

And thanks to you and everyone for the suggestions. Aurora blue sounds like the best match. I'll pick some up on my next trip to the mall.