Ink Wells

[Stewart Gibson]

Hello all

 

I recently purchased some spice bottles that I had believed were airtight. This was prompted by a post on a previous thread, advising that the Diamine/Chesterfield Archival Vault Permanent black should be stored in Glass due to chemical interaction with the original plastic bottle. I transferred two colours to the aforementioned glass bottles, put the stopper on and was happy with the result. Later I had the opportunity to ink a pen from the Archival Vault ink, and aside from the bottle being too wide (or there ot being enough ink in the bottle :-) ) all worked well.

 

On the weekend I notices condensation on the inside of one of the bottles. On investigation, I discovered that the seals on these bottles were not airtight, and they also leaked when tilted too far.

 

Ok, After a long story, here is the question. Is it necessary for inkwells to be airtight? I see all kinds of bottles out there with cork stoppers and I am wondering what characteristics, combine to make the perfect ink bottle/well?

 

Stu

[amberleadavis]

Hmm....

 

I'd say no to corks because you have organic materials that may cause slime or icky stuff.

 

As for airtight - I have many bottles that are not airtight and the ink evaporates. Yes, you can add more water, but the inks is never quite the same. Consider some of the nagalene bottles. Check out some of the threads about where to purchase bottles. I use old perfume bottles.

 

Welcome aboard.

[Stewart Gibson]

Thanks much.

 

I had guessed that they had to be airtight but was surprised to see bottles with cork stoppers. I see goulet has used, empty bottles for sale. I was hoping to find something local. In terms of characteristics

 

Air tight

wide enough base to avoid spillage

Narrow enough to ensure maximum depth for inking pens.

Organically inert?

 

Anything else?

 

Stu

[amberleadavis]

That's the big stuff.