Pigment ink - Using Mixol tints

[BulldogXTRM]

I recently tried an experiment in making my own inks and testing different tints. I’ve used everything from kool-aid to rit to Procion MX. The best tint so far has been Mixol tints.

 

The surfactant that I use is Triton x100 and the humectant is glycerin. The biocide is a teaspoon of 91% isopropyl alcohol.

In order to get the mix correct, I used a magnetic stirrer and was able to get the mixture correct.

 

For a 4 oz bottle of ink, use

3 oz of distilled water.

3 tablespoons of glycerin

20-50ml of Mixol tint

1 tablespoon of Triton x100

1 capful of 91% isopropyl alcohol

 

Mix these ingredients until thoroughly mixed, beginnning with the water and glycerin. Once mixed, slowly add the Mixol tint. Once mixed I checked the color that I wanted by using a dip pen. Once the color is where I want it, I add the Triton x100. Adding this too soon will cause the mixture to foam. After completing the mix, move the mixture into your final bottle where your going to store and keep the ink. Add 1 cap of 91% isopropyl alcohol to the bottle and this should cause any foam that’s on the top to dissipate. Before filling your pen, rotate the bottle several times.

 

The ink is waterproof and smooth. It writes well and is not at all harmful to my pens. I’ve used this in a Platinum President and some Wing Sung 629’s. The ink’s PH is balanced and is approximately 7.5-8. The tint is pigment based so it can settle out if you use too much tint, if it does just give it a little shake and put it back in suspension.

 

The ink cleans out your pen with just water. There is very little shading and no sheen. I’m working on finding something to give a little sheen to the mixes but for now I’m just enjoying my success in this one. By the way don’t use the Mixol Oxide based tents, they’re too heavy and fall out of suspension easier.

 

Good luck and let me know how it works out!

[BulldogXTRM]

Here's a couple of pictures of the ink I've made and their mixes.

[BulldogXTRM]

[BulldogXTRM]

One update, is that I’ve now begun using Kodak photo-flo as well as the Triton X-100. 3.6ml of Kodak photo-flo and the inks are smoother and feel a bit more typical to a commercial ink. I’ll continue to update as I tweak the formulas.

[Pikapikapikapens]

Wow! This is amazing.  When I get some extra cash I think I'll try it. Your post was a few months ago, any updates?

 

I'm *very* interested if you still are active on this forum.