Advice On Glycerin

[PJohnP]

On the chemistry side of all of this, it's advisable to use "pure" chemicals where you can to limit the potential for unplanned reactions, precipitations, etc.  Several other folks above in the thread have discussed this well.

 

With respect to the different materials to use, the late Sandy1 made a number of excellent posts on the topic.  I've contributed to several topics as well.  Rather than (tediously) re-quote everything, I'll suggest looking/searching here on FPN.

 

I do have a few remarks to add, however, having "adulterated" inks for many years.

 

I purchased a phenol solution from Natural Pigments a decade-plus back - different label, same concoction as in the link above in the thread - and I have a lifetime supply.  The phenol solution did address some problems with vintage ink that was a bit musty.  That said, I have a largely full bottle of 4% phenol solution.  As phenol is a preservative, sold in a deeply shaded bottle, and kept by me in a dark cool closet, it will likely last long after I'm gone from this world.

 

Similarly, once one purchases a surfactant like PhotoFlo or a modifier like glycerin, they will have essentially a lifetime supply, unless they are going into ink manufacture.  Buying smaller quantities of quality modifiers is strongly advised.

 

The discussions on colligative properties like surface tension and "smoothness" are sometimes doctorate level dissertations.  The simplest approach is, as also noted earlier in this thread, to make tests on small quantities of ink, using the smallest possible additions.  "Adulterating" inks for improved surface tension and smoothness of application is a calibrated process.  It's remarkably easy to over-add a chemical.  Using a calibrated eye-dropper with carefully measured quantities of ink is by no means excessive "attention to detail".  A person who is altering ink is essentially conducting chemical and physical properties experimentation.

 

Lastly, keep meticulous notes on the ink and the modifiers used with carefully documented quantities !

 

There's (almost) nothing worse than hitting the precise quantity of modifiers used with stellar results on the ink, and not knowing how one reached that point.   Even folks with technical degrees in chemistry sometimes let this slip,  "because it's only ink".   I speak from annoying experience in making such mistakes.

 

Have some fun with altering inks.  I went through a phase where I modified inks quite regularly, and eventually decided to only do that with a very small number of inks.  The experimentation took me back in my mind to undergraduate and postgraduate lab days.

 

 

John P.

[Karmachanic]

2 hours ago, PJohnP said:

Have some fun with altering inks.

 

I agree.  And do so following ones own inclination.  Dip a needle into the Liquitex and stick it in the 5 ml vial works for me.  Or a drop of glycerine.  Adjust to taste.  Kinda like a chef in a restaurant kitchen.  Nary a measuring spoon in sight. Mozart or Stevie Ray Vaughan.  There's room enough for everyone.

[jmccarty3]

6 hours ago, Karmachanic said:

Mozart or Stevie Ray Vaughan

That's quite a contrast. I wonder what SRV would have said if he ever encountered a fortepiano.

[XYZZY]

21 hours ago, jmccarty3 said:

That's quite a contrast. I wonder what SRV would have said if he ever encountered a fortepiano.

Or Mozart a Stratocaster 😀

[Maurizio]

On 2/3/2023 at 3:45 PM, Karmachanic said:

 

I agree.  And do so following ones own inclination.  Dip a needle into the Liquitex and stick it in the 5 ml vial works for me.  Or a drop of glycerine.  Adjust to taste.  Kinda like a chef in a restaurant kitchen.  Nary a measuring spoon in sight. 

 

👍🏻 It’s good to be sensible & prudent. Even more to just have some fun.