Preventing Ink Artwork From Fading

[illustration student]

This isn't really pen related but I use Diamine fountain pen ink in my illustrations (example art included below for context) and I figured this community might know a thing or two about ink. I'm considering trying to sell original artwork in the future but I'm concerned that the ink would fade when hung up on the wall. I was wondering what kind of precautions people would recommend I take to preserve my work.

 

I'd definitely recommend keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from heat and damp. But is this enough to stop it fading?

 

Is it just UV light that damages the ink or will it still fade over time even if it was kept in the dark?

 

Its possible to get picture frames with glass that can block out UV light.

And/Or

Its also possible to use a watercolour varnish to protect the painting and block some UV light.

Its available as a liquid or an aerosol. It's not really designed for ink but its a similar way of working. I'd worry that the liquid form would cause the ink to bleed? so I'd probably use aerosol in light coats but this could also darken the colour and change the texture of the paper.

 

I was wondering if anyone had an idea how long the ink would last when in:

1. Direct sunlight
2. on the wall away from damp, heat and direct sunlight
3. In a frame with UV protective glass
4. Varnished and in a frame with UV protective glass.

 

I'm aware that there are more hardwearing inks on the market but I didn't really think about fading when I bought my inks. I really like working with the rich colour of Diamine inks and I need large quantities as it uses ink up quickly But will it last?

 

Thanks

 

[linearM]

You might look at the ink reviews here on FPN. A number of reviewers have investigated the light fastness of various inks and mention it in their reviews. I am a wood engraver so my fountain pen sketches are used as the basis for engravings rather than finished works. Do some research on postings here on FPN and perhaps that will help you zero in on inks that suit you color wise and at the same time have more resistance to fading.

 

Most of my work is linear but I notice your sample is basically wash and I assume you used the fountain pen for the original layout and you add the wash element aftewards. Perhaps using more permanent drawing inks for your washes might be a good idea. I would assume that using UV glass would be a good idea in framing your work.

 

I just put 'lightfastness of inks' in the search box here and came up with a number of posts you might want to check out.

Edited April 7, 2014 by linearM

[AndrewC]

Yes there is UV protective glass. Anything you pay to get framed these days you should use that glass. Framing stuff is costly enough, you might as well protect the investment. FWIW, reds are not as light fast as other colors, IIRC. You should look up watchart (Shawn Newton of Newton pens) and see what he can tell you. He teaches art, so might have a good idea how to answer your questions.

 

Nicely done, by the way.

[amberleadavis]

http://sheismylawyer.com/She_Thinks_In_Ink/2014-Inklings/slides/2014-Ink_271.jpg

 

You can see just images but not the cool posts here.

[amberleadavis]

http://sheismylawyer.com/She_Thinks_In_Ink/2014-Inklings/slides/2014-Ink_272.jpg

[amberleadavis]

http://sheismylawyer.com/She_Thinks_In_Ink/2014-Inklings/slides/2014-Ink_273.jpg

[amberleadavis]

http://sheismylawyer.com/She_Thinks_In_Ink/2014-Inklings/slides/2014-Ink_274.jpg

[amberleadavis]

http://sheismylawyer.com/She_Thinks_In_Ink/2014-Inklings/slides/2014-Ink_275.jpg

[amberleadavis]

Here are a few samples to show that the washed areas faded, even when the unadulterated inks did not.

 

http://sheismylawyer.com/She_Thinks_In_Ink/Tests/Fade/2012/Subjects/slides/19-2012_10_29.jpg

[illustration student]

Thanks for all the help everyone.

Its rather worrying looking at those fade charts, especially for the washes. I will defiantly have to protect the ink one way or another if I want them on display. will also have to do some testing for myself as it looks like there is a lot of variation depending on the ink and conditions.

Think i'll also go to a frame store to see if they think it will be effective.

will also try to invest in more permanent inks in the future too.

thanks for the recommendations.

[amberleadavis]

Glad it helped.

[knarflj]

I can't help answer any of your questions, but your work is beautiful!

[Tanzanite]

On watercolours and other paint for artists you can find information about lightfastness rating, pigments, if the colour is hazardous etc. To me it is a bit odd that this information is not on ink bottles. I would also like to use ink in paintings.

[illustration student]

yeah its strange that there is no official ranking system of permanency like other art mediums have. I guess its due to the fact that the ink was not designed specifically for art and a lot of inks don't have high resistance.

 

I talked to frame maker today and there is a type of glass that guarantee's to block out 99% of UV rays. Combined with keeping it away from direct light/ damp and heat will this be enough to stop it fading?

[amberleadavis]

Yes.

BTW, heat had no effect in my experiments, and no matter where you are in the UK, I promise you 'tis hotter here.

[lapis]

It's not the heat, it's the UV radiation. Also available e.g. in Greenland.

 

Mike

[illustration student]

I believe you when you say its hotter! haha but it's good to know heat wont affect it. it was more for the papers sake I would keep it away from radiators/ open fires as a precaution.

 

 

 

On watercolours and other paint for artists you can find information about lightfastness rating, pigments, if the colour is hazardous etc. To me it is a bit odd that this information is not on ink bottles. I would also like to use ink in paintings.

I've been doing some research. Most inks use dyes not pigments which might be why they are not rated. winsor and newton have a pigment Calligraphy Ink range that have a permanence rating of AA or A. But these only seem to come in small bottles that are more expensive and has a smaller colour range.

 

 

I've also read that Diamine ink's are ph neutral and toxic free. (not sure about the tap water I use for washes )

I'm also using quality 300gsm watercolour paper which is '100% cellulose, acid-free, has no optical brightners added, has a mould-resistant treatment and is alkaline buffered.'

I think I'd also seal the work in a frame that has 99% uv resistance glass and use an acid free mounting board.

 

I accept that dye inks will ultimately fade but want to make the art survive at least 10+ years. Is this expectable?

 

Last thing I want to know is if contact with the air will cause the ink to fade? (even if it is in a frame) if so would an aerosol varnish solve this?

[Sinistral1]

Stepping back and thinking of what you are asking of a liquid that has been formulated for many, many years to flow easily through the itty, bitty holes in a fountain pen, bond with all types of paper, not bleed or feather, clean up with just water - how can you expect it to behave in reverse because you use it like watercolor paint? It's fountain pen ink, not Acme All-Purpose Colored Liquid.

 

Your artwork is beautiful, and I hope it fares well under UV glass on a wall, but it was done with a product never intended to properly survive anywhere but on paper in a closed binder, file cabinet or folded paper in an envelope or wallet, where light is never an issue.

 

I apologize if I sound harsh. I myself LOVE pearl and metallic writing and drawing - but any liquid that is glittery in any amount has particles in it that will not work in a fountain pen - unless you want to toss the pen afterwards. So, I have to be content working my gold leaf into my projects in non-written ways. I've gotten pretty adept at this process over the years, but ooooh, I would still totally love to pick up a vintage flex Waterman with pearl ink and start writing!

 

My rant is concluded.

[illustration student]

Yeah I know I'm being rather demanding by using ink in an unconventional way and that it was not designed for painting. But that's why I've been trying to find out more about their limits.

I got into using calligraphy ink but it was expensive to paint with and therefore made me too precious with it. (was also rather water resistant once dry)

I did give watercolour a go but, to put it shortly, they weren't as nice to me personally.

I love the flow and vibrancy of diamine inks and thought they were performing perfectly until I thought to consider their permanence.

 

I'd like to try to make it work before accepting that I may have to use other materials or to only use the work digitally/ make prints.

 

sorry if it sounds like im trying to get a cube through a circle hole but I hope it can work.

[amberleadavis]

Oh, Sinistral, I disagree with you, my inky dear. Some inks were intended to last the ages ... KTC is certainly one and it will outperform any paint I've ever seen.

 

Keep in mind that Michaelanglo lost some of his beautiful work to UV distress, and Da Vinci's work is being lost as we type. Very few things ... even volcanos and glaciers ... last forever.