Fading Test For 4 Black Inks

[Dositheos]

In short:

 

• goal of the test : to find the ink that fades least over the time
• method: 2 summer months exposure of the ink samples on the kitchen window
• paper: smooth and non-absorbing, durable Clairefontaine EUROPA Notemaker
• control ink: Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue, known to fade quickly when exposed to the sunlight

 

Results of the test:

 

1. HERO 234:
   pros: no fading over time (pigmented), true black, no shading, pretty water-resistant, defined line, no bleed-through on worse quality paper
   cons: dries in pens (especially in caps that are not completely airtight), high maintenance - pens need to be cleaned regularly, very thick
2. Noodlers Black:
   pros: no significant fading over time, pretty water-resistant, easy maintenance, no bleed-through on worse quality paper, quick drying time
   cons: not true black (black brownish gray), shading, sometimes dry although no flow issues, no skipping
3. Diamine Jet Black:
   pros: resists pretty well fading over time, super easy maintenance, no bleed-through on worse quality paper, quick drying time
   cons: not black (blue teal gray), shading, dry on the paper, dry flow issues possible, no water-resistance
4. Pilot Black bottle 350ml:
   pros: excellent flow - very wet ink, deep black color (sometimes gray), beautiful shading
   cons: fades significantly, bleed-through on worse quality paper, less water-resistant

[kilraughts]

Thank you for your input. I have read your comparisons helpful in my future choice.

[Witsius]

I would have guessed that the Pilot black would have been a bit more robust. Interesting result.

[VivienR]

Interesting results. Thank you for your time.

[TSherbs]

Thanks for this.

[Gloucesterman]

Use of black is limited and the above information is good to have. Thank you.

[lapis]

Thanks for the excellent comparison. Very accurate, especially your inclusion of the "Control Ink". I'm looking forward to your next posts!

[Erik Dalton]

I haven’t seen a fading comparison like this before for black inks. The results are enlightening. You did a nice job, thank you.

[Shyahi]

This has reversed my thoughts on Pilot black ink.

I had been wondering to buy a pilot black ink bottle as my Diamine jet black smudges over a little drop of water.