Ink Sample Fading Test

[Jared]

I am starting today a fade test of ink samples. I have made 58 thick q-tip swabs from my inks (and a few ink samples, thanks to FPN members), and plan to place them on the dashboard of my car in the parking lot at work. A strip of heavy dark paper will be placed firmly in the middle of the page, allowing the inner edges of the samples to be unaffected by the harsh penetrating rays of the Washington DC sun. I'm going to try this for 30 days, and post my results here. My understanding is that the effect of UV rays can help to determine the archival qualities of ink. Of course, if that's just a myth, then it's just a fun test. Inks are arranged in a spectrum of colors. I wish that I could have fit all of my inks on the page, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I also wish that the colors were better represented in this scan--for instance, J. Herbin Sapphire isn't violet, but a bright blue.

 

Stand by for results around the new year.

[Truppi327]

Awesome. Looking forward to results!

[yochillum]

Really interesting idea. Can't wait to see the results.

[opus7600]

Hooray for science! I'm definitely watching this thread.

[inkspot]

Hooray for science! I'm definitely watching this thread.

 

+1 - always ready for a good experiment!

[Russ]

Thank you! I look forward to the outcome!

[asiow]

WOW

 

really appreciate the effort

 

Thanks

 

[JohnS-MI]

The laminated glass used in windshields is VERY effective in filtering UV shorter than about 380 nm (400 nm is the beginning of the "visible range"). Your inks may get more UV exposure if they can be exposed throught the side glass, or through ordinary window glass in a home or office. This paper may help with transmission spectra.

http://www.climaguardspf.com/stellentdev/groups/climaguard/documents/native/gi_004941.pdf

[Jared]

It's been a week now (actually, only about 3 days of direct sunlight) but already I have seen significant fading in some of the inks, mostly Diamine. Most affected are Diamine Pumpkin and Lavender.

[Truppi327]

What ink did you use for the labeling and such? Also pen and paper. Just curious.

[Jared]

What ink did you use for the labeling and such? Also pen and paper. Just curious.

 

Paper: Clairefontaine

Labeling Ink: Noodler's Old Manhattan Black (prior tests show that this won't fade)

Labeling Pen: cheap Sailor "Ink Pen" with steel .3mm stub nib (bought in Japan)

Edited December 6, 2010 by Jared

[Truppi327]

What ink did you use for the labeling and such? Also pen and paper. Just curious.

Paper: ClairefontaineLabeling Ink: Noodler's Old Manhattan Black (prior tests show that this won't fade) Labeling Pen: cheap Sailor "Ink Pen" with steel .3mm stub nib (bought in Japan)

 

Why is it that the cheap pens from Japan are so darn superior to so many other cheap pens from other countries? A .3mm stub on a dinky little pen? Fabulous!

[Bronze]

- This is interesting, looking forward to the results!

[Koyote]

I've done something similar in my office window, but with far fewer inks.

 

My casual observation is that black and dark blue inks hold up best in sunlight, lighter blue and purple inks fade rather quickly.

[pkoko]

looking forward to results

[jniforat]

thanks for an informative post! the comparisons alone are worth it!

[stedders]

thanks for an informative post! the comparisons alone are worth it!

 

+1 for the usefulness of the original comparisons - a lovely concise image!

 

Andy

[Scrawler]

Fading over time under the assault of sunlight is important to me, so I need a comment on this thread so that I will be notified when you update it with your results.

[Truppi327]

Kung Te-cheng will probably be the best performing purple. That stuff lasts!

 

I think maybe my favorite ink.

Edited December 8, 2010 by Truppi327

[Jared]

Last week I switched the sample from my car dashboard to an office window, which allows greater UV penetration, and increases the exposure time to include weekends, holidays, etc.

 

Already the fading of some inks is noticeable. Others look the same as they did two weeks ago. Noodler's is leading the pack, followed closely behind by Sailor, Aurora and J. Herbin, with Caran d' Ache, Montblanc, Rohrer & Klingner, Private Reserve, Pelikan and Pilot Iroshizuku in the middle, and finally, Sheaffer, Waterman and Diamine bring up the rear.

 

Again, photographic results and analysis at the beginning of the new year.