Fish Smell In J. Herbin Ink

[redhairedwriter]

So, I just got a new bottle of J. Herbin Vert Reseda. When I opened the bottle there was a little bit of congealed ink on the lid, but it was easily cleared away and an examination of the rest of the ink in the bottle doesn't reveal any accumulations on the sides or bottom of the bottle and there wasn't anything floating in the ink.

 

However, the moment I opened it there was a very distinct smell that I can only describe as a 'low tide' smell. Is it safe to use this ink? I know Herbin uses natural ingredients, but I've never had an ink smell like this before.

[msolok]

I wouldn't. The smell and congealed goo on the cap indicate the ink is going mouldy. Even if you can't detect any in yhere now, better to get it replaced as it is contaminated. Best not to use it and infect a pen.

[lapis]

I've never had that problem but I know that other members here have. Check out this post.

 

Mike

[torstar]

I'm suspicious of most anything that doesn't smell like chemical blueberry.

 

Had a few Herbins go bad on me, cannot say that I noticed your symptom.

[Fabienne]

I had a problem with Lie de The. It was a good color but it grew slime in a pen which I had borrowed from someone else! My friend was gracious about it but I felt awful. I did contact Herbin. They would only replace the ink, not refund my money. Considering that ink caused the problem, why would I want more of it? I swore off Herbin inks, goodness knows there are hundreds of inks and colors out there and I don't feel as if I am being deprived.

 

I would suggest that you get rid of that bottle of ink you have with the funny smell. They may have solved the problem but there may be bottles from the bad batches floating around.

[Loeschpapier]

I spontaneously sniffed all my four Herbins and nothing low tide, so I would eye that with great distrust.

But I sure remember funky stuff wafting upwards from turned Pelikan and Private Reserve stuff. (both happened to be brown and sepia tones, don't know what it is but apparently I am not meant to use them, or something)

 

Hope you have better luck next time, Redhairwriter! It literally stinks to have to toss a bottle.
But I don't think I would risk widespread pen infection.
At least a thoroughly scrubbed and sterilized bottle for you that can carry other inks around?
I like taking them with me because the small ones are pretty handy on a desk far away from home.

Edited May 31, 2013 by Loeschpapier

[mhosea]

A couple of months ago I had to toss a 100ml bottle of Eclat de Saphir that I bought in December 2012. I have 3 bottles of Bleu Ocean that I bought prior to the Eclat going bad. Either they left the susceptible formulations in the pipeline and I just got an "old" bottle of Eclat, or they still have problems. I'm certainly hoping it was just an old bottle, but either possibility negatively impacts my confidence and satisfaction with the brand.

[redhairedwriter]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I think I'll just be staying away from this one. Hopefully the shop where I bought it will exchange it for a good bottle! After this scare I inspected my bottle of P. de Lune, and at least that's still good.

 

I can't say this has made me swear off J. Herbin, but I'll certainly hesitate when I'm considering another colour.

[circlepattern]

What is a bottle of ink suppose to smell like? I always thought it is whatever they decided to dye the water with.

[storyteller]

I can't say this has made me swear off J. Herbin, but I'll certainly hesitate when I'm considering another colour.

 

I've had Perle Noire, Violette Pensée and Lierre Sauvage go bad on me..... Herbin did replace the ink that was new but the others were opened and in rotation when they "turned".

 

It can seriously bung up a feed if you are not vigilant...

Edited June 1, 2013 by storyteller

[wastelanded]

Don't use it.

 

I love Herbin's colours, but now I'm too afraid to buy a bottle. I have a few tins of their cartridges, some a year old, and they seem fine. Maybe the small, sealed container of the cartridge helps?