Dilution - Noodler's Burgundy

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

This is another oh-so-boring coma-inducing Topic - depicting dilution of dye-based ink with distilled water.

 

Dilution is quite often mentioned as a means to fine-tune the density, (light to dark tone), of an ink to compensate for a pen that is a bit too wet, and/or a paper that is a bit too absorbent.

 

Dilution is also proposed as a means to reduce Smear/Dry Times, and reduce the extent of bleed- show-through.

 

Seems rather a lot to expect from a few drops of water, but let's cut to the chase:

 

☞ For convenient viewing of the images, you may wish to scroll to the menu at the very bottom of this window, then change the FPN Theme to 'IP.Board Mobile'.

 

Please take a moment to adjust your gear to accurately depict the Grey Scale below.

As the patches are neutral grey, that is what you should see.

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http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/InkyThoughts2010/INK576-1-2.jpg

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WRITTEN SAMPLES - Moby Dick

Ruling: 8mm.

 

Figure 1.

Paper: HPJ1124 24 lb. Laser copy paper.

Ink at 100%, 80%, 60% & 40%.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Dilution%20-%20Noodlers%20Burgundy/8fdc8f09.jpg

 

 

Figure 2.

Paper: Staples 20 lb. multi purpose copy paper.

Ink at 100%, 80%, 60% & 40%.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Dilution%20-%20Noodlers%20Burgundy/880e675b.jpg

 

OTHER STUFF

 

Figure 3.

Smear / Dry Times. Ink @ 100%.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Dilution%20-%20Noodlers%20Burgundy/0af2d15d.jpg

 

Figure 4.

Smear / Dry Times. Ink @ 80%.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Dilution%20-%20Noodlers%20Burgundy/d3fee091.jpg

Figure 5.

Smear / Dry Times. Ink @ 60%.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Dilution%20-%20Noodlers%20Burgundy/d761af82.jpg

Figure 6.

Smear / Dry Times. Ink @ 40%.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy116/Sandy1-1/FPN%20Stuff%20-%202011/Dilution%20-%20Noodlers%20Burgundy/cba0faeb.jpg

 

OBSERVATIONS

 

Written Samples:

 

• Overall, the effect of dilution on the writing experience was less bothersome than expected.
• There was some reduction in lubrication, but not so much as to make one grit their teeth. (Although Sean Colfield may well prefer full lubrication.) Certainly the wide smooth nib in combination with smooth-surfaced papers helped things from going pear-shaped.
• In comparison to the HPJ1124, the samples on the Staples paper display a quite plump line. Unfortunately dilution did not have an appreciable effect on that aspect of the ink's performance.

• On the HPJ1124 24 lb.
  • The line quality became iffy at 40%.
  • The visual change of density is very small until the 40% sample: one would be hard-pressed to discern the difference page-to-page.
  • There was still some bleed-show-through, regardless of dilution; and that was just enough to make it a matter of personal preference if it is OK to use both sides of the sheet - a few specks is all.
  • I would find it acceptable to be handed a sheet written on one side.

  [*]On the Staples 20 lb.

  • The line quality remained OK at all strengths.
  • The visual change of density is very small until the 40% sample: one would be hard-pressed to discern the difference page-to-page.
  • There was still some bleed-show-through, regardless of dilution; and that was enough to make two-sided use unacceptable.
  • I would likely scowl at the person who'd hand me a sheet written on one side.

Smear/Dry Times:

• HPJ1124: Times dropped at 60% and 40%, with 40% being OK.
• Rhodia: Times dropped a bit, but not enough for yours truly.
• Staples 20 lb: Times were lowest at 60%, but rebounded at 40% - two sets of two were run to confirm that unexpected result.

COMMENTS

 

• Seems that expectations of fine-tuning, and reducing bleed- show-though were not realised; the S/DT showed just enough change to consider dilution.
• If using a Fine or wider nib on smooth-surfaced paper, I wouldn't think twice about diluting this ink to 60%.

My Noodler's Burgundy Ink Review is tucked away next door. LINK

 

 

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NUTS & BOLTS

 

Pens:

• Written Samples: Rosetta Magellan + Schmidt g-p steel B nib.
• Lines & labels: Pelikan Turquoise from a Pilot Penmanship + XF nib.

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Papers:

• HPJ1124 24 lb. Laser Copy.
• Rhodia.
• Staples 20lb. multi use.

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Images:

• Scans were made on an Epson V600 scanner; factory defaults were accepted.
• Figures shown were scanned at 200 dpi & 24 bit colour.
• Scans were not adjusted, so went straight to Photobouquet.

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Fine Print:

 

The accuracy and relevance of these samples depends in great part upon consistency and reliability of matériel used.

Ink does not require labelling/notice to indicate (changes in) formulation, non-hazardous ingredients, batch ID, date of manufacture, etc.

As always, YMMV; not only from materials, methods, environment, etc., but also due to differences between the stuff I used, and that you may have.

Also, I entrust readers to separate opinion from fact; to evaluate inferences and conclusions as to their merit; and to be amused by whatever tickles your fancy.

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TAGS: Fountain pen ink dilution review Noodler's Noodlers Burgundy Sandy1

 

Edited October 16, 2011 by Sandy1