Two Greys

[alexander_k]

I've always liked grey in clothes or on paper but it was relatively recently that I added a grey ink to my daily users. Having become quite satisfied with Diamine, I restricted my search to their Graphite and Grey. Graphite I liked a lot but it wasn't a pure grey, so the choice was easy. Recently I received a bottle of J. Herbin's Encre Grise Nuage so I tried that one too. The results of a brief comparison were as follows:

 

http://www.re-h.nl/alexander/pens/greys_dry_s.jpg

 

Probably the most interesting part was that Gris Nuage didn't appear that much lighter as in other comparisons (e.g. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/6567-herbin-gris-nuage/).

 

As usually after every trial, I put the paper under the tap. In this case I was impressed by both inks because they exhibited enough resistance to water. Even on the top right where it hit Diamine Grey rather violently, causing some smudging, the text remained clear enough for any practical purpose. After thirty seconds or so I turned the tap off. Diamine Grey was the winner by a slight margin: it had remained grey, while Gris Nuage had turned a bit beige.

 

http://www.re-h.nl/alexander/pens/greys_wet_s.jpg

 

The conclusion is that I'm going to trust Diamine Grey more in my note-taking. Its pencil-like appearance makes it appropriate for rough notes and being reasonably resistant to water means I can use it under more circumstances than I had expected initially.

 

Links to large versions of the figures:

http://www.re-h.nl/alexander/pens/greys_dry.jpg

http://www.re-h.nl/alexander/pens/greys_wet.jpg

Edited August 21, 2013 by alexander_k

[MisterBoll]

Thanks for this review. I've used Diamine Graphite but I like the look of Grey much better.

[swanjun]

Thanks! It's useful to know Gris Nuages doesn't *have* to be so pale. I must try it in a different pen!

[doggonecarl]

Thanks for the review. With them both being somewhat water resistant, I will give serious thought to adding a grey to my ink cupboard.

[amberleadavis]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[AnUprightMan]

Oh wow I love the diamine grey! I don't have any diamine inks, I'm going to have to order a couple of bottles

[FrElip]

For those who like grey inks, I'll suggest either de Montblanc Einstein ink.