Is It Safe To Mix Iron-gall Inks With Other Water-base Inks

[meiers]

Here are the specifics:

 

I have mixed Montblanc blue-black with a wide range of Waterman and Pelikan inks in my ongoing effort to create my version British Racing Green.

I have succeeding in creating a beautiful shade of blue.

 

Since MB Blue-Black is water proof and contains iron gall, might I be creating a "dangerous" ink? Are these inks compatible?

 

I believe that my 146 should be all right. However, one member suggested that I might be putting my pen at risk.

 

Looking forward to your advice.

 

Matt

[Indigo]

I am not sure about the safety, but I mix a little bad blue hereon with Lamy blue-black. I did this because the Lamy is quick dry (which is a huge advantage for note-taking) and the Noodler's improves the flow and lubricity. I have been quite happy with it for work/note-taking.

Using this in a Safari reduces the cost of a potential loss.

[Feanor]

Sounds a bit risky to me. I would let it sit a night or two and see if any precipitate or SITB forms first, then try a full fill in a less expensive pen. If all seems well after that, then it's probably safe in your 146.

 

Edit: By full fill I mean fill to capacity and use it all, preferably over a time period comparable to what it takes to go through a 146 fill.

Edited July 12, 2010 by Feanor

[wallylynn]

What a coincidence! I just happen to have mixed Lamy blue-black mixed with Noodlers Manhattan Blue. It's been 2 weeks, nothing bad yet. Personally I was daring, I had a little blue left and just sucked up the blue-black. If you want to be cautious, you should mix in a separate container and let it sit a while to see if it sluges up or precipitates.

 

Anyways, I think I now have my to-go ink. Lamy's too grey, blue's too blue, now it's near perfect. Gotta play with proportions.

[Goodwhiskers]

As long as you've tested for sludge formation . . . .

I saw a post here once that reported sludge after mixing an iron gall ink with some other ink. It really depends on the chemical properties of the dyes.

[meiers]

I am going ahead with my experiment and will report on the results.

 

Thank you for your responses.

 

 

[meiers]

...and your thoughtful advice.

 

Has anyone else tried this already?

Could you share your experiences?

 

Thanks,

Matt