Platinum Carbon

[carpedavid]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6H9WDYAlbA/TVm_GHS5p8I/AAAAAAAAAPo/QqPjC5u-gRE/s1600/platinum+carbon+illuminated.jpg

 

Traditional carbon inks were made with soot or lampblack mixed with gum arabic or another binder. The carbon particles would not fade over time, even when exposed to sunlight, and the ink was not harmful to paper. However, it was not waterproof, could smudge in humid environments, and was not at all fountain-pen friendly.

 

Platinum has re-engineered the carbon ink, though, to solve all of those problems. Their Carbon Black ink is a waterproof, pigment-based, archival quality fountain pen ink. For those unfamiliar with pigment-based inks, they differ from traditional dye-based inks in that they are made by suspending micro-particles in solution. They are specifically formulated for fountain pens, with particles small enough and binders benign enough that they won't clog the feed or interfere with the capillary action of the nib during normal use.

 

From what I can discern, though, the nature of a pigment based ink does call for a vigilant level of pen hygiene. It is always a good idea to flush one's pen with water when switching between inks and between every few fills when sticking with the same ink – and it's essential when using this ink. Additionally, you should definitely flush this ink from a pen if you're going to leave it for more than a week without use – it will make the pen very difficult, if not impossible, to clean if it dries in the pen.

 

Unlike the Platinum Pigment Rose Red ink, which I have previously reviewed, I have noticed that the Carbon ink has a slight tendency to stain converters – bestowing a slightly smoky finish on the clear plastic – much like Noodler's Black does. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend it for a clear demonstrator, but it should be fine for most other pens. It appears to be otherwise safe if sensible precautions are followed.

 

Carbon produces a solid black line in both an extra fine nib and a wide calligraphy nib. It is highly saturated and offers no shading. Nor does it possess any sort of tint – there are no blues or reds or greens hiding underneath. It's soot black.

 

It was well behaved on each of the papers that I tested it with. I saw no feathering on any paper, from Rhodia to Ecosystem to standard copier paper to ultra-thin bagasse. I saw moderate show-through on thinner papers – it is a fairly dark ink – but low to no bleed-through.

 

Drying time was also fairly good, ranging from 2 seconds on copier paper to 8 seconds on the normally long-drying Rhodia paper. The ink flowed nicely, and produced a line true to width – being neither particularly wet nor particularly dry.

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQVOftfIBOc/TVm_GYlgGrI/AAAAAAAAAPs/S-c2UMIc-RE/s1600/platinum+carbon+water+test.jpg

 

One of the selling points for carbon and other pigmented inks is their water resistance. Some bulletproof, dye-based inks, like Noodler's, bind to the cellulose in the paper, but any ink left to dry on the surface can wash away or smear when exposed to water. This makes them great for signing checks, but poor candidates for artists that want to apply a wash over them. Platinum Carbon Black, on the other hand, dries like paint. This makes them ideal for artists who want to work with mixed media.

 

The smear test, in which I run a wet finger over the paper, reveals that the ink can be smudged with a bit of effort. If you look close, you can see a fine light-grey tint to the paper where I dragged it across the lines. On the other hand, the drip test, in which I let droplets of water settle on the page before blotting them up, and the soak test, in which I run the paper under the faucet for a minute, show that the ink hasn't moved one bit. It doesn't look like it got water near it at all – a major difference from most dye-based inks.

 

In the visual example above, I was able to draw an illuminated letter "C" with the carbon ink and then paint over it with thinned acrylic paint without smudging it at all. I had no trouble with it affecting the color of the paint in any way. It seems to be quite artistically friendly in this regard.

 

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmol6eWITh4/TVm-_i6LTHI/AAAAAAAAAPk/K1siyoQ1KHc/s1600/platinum+carbon+bottle.JPG

 

Platinum Carbon comes in a clear, 60ml bottle that definitely shows off the solid black ink. In the bottle, it looks exactly like it does on paper. The thick bottomed bottle would look equally at home on an artist's shelf as on top of one's desk.

 

Black inks are a staple of the business world, and Carbon Black is a great option. It produces a solid line and is easy to read on any paper. Its waterproof nature makes this a great signature ink, and it is very artistically friendly. It's also great for calligraphy – it makes blackletter scripts look fantastic.

 

I'm not a frequent user of black ink, but Platinum Carbon Black has edged out Noodler's Black as my reference black. I can easily recommend it for those that prefer a dark, black ink, and for those that are using it to create art.

 

Review materials: For the wide strokes, I used Pilot Parallel 6.0mm and 3.8mm calligraphy pens. They both have steel nibs. For the fine strokes, I used a Lamy EF steel nib on a Lamy Safari. The illuminated letter was outlined with a Lamy EF nib and then painted over with acrylic paints and a brush. The paper is Rhodia 80g.

[nicholasyeo]

Wow, this seems like a very good alternative to Sailor's Kiwa-guro Nano Carbon Black ink.

I wonder if the two are exactly the same or differ slightly. Does anyone have a clue if they

are different? Of course the premise is the same, a pigment, waterproof, fountain pen ink,

but are there variations from these two companies? :hmm1:

[professionaldilettante]

Wow, this seems like a very good alternative to Sailor's Kiwa-guro Nano Carbon Black ink.

I wonder if the two are exactly the same or differ slightly. Does anyone have a clue if they

are different? Of course the premise is the same, a pigment, waterproof, fountain pen ink,

but are there variations from these two companies? :hmm1:

I have heard people say that Sailor's is smoother/more lubricating and also dries with a slight sheen to it. Besides that, I think they are very simmilar. I have not tried Platinum's carbon, but Sailor's has become a daily writer for me.

[jde]

<SNIP>

They are specifically formulated for fountain pens, with particles small enough and binders benign enough that they won't clog the feed or interfere with the capillary action of the nib during normal use.

 

From what I can discern, though, the nature of a pigment based ink does call for a vigilant level of pen hygiene. It is always a good idea to flush one's pen with water when switching between inks and between every few fills when sticking with the same ink – and it's essential when using this ink. Additionally, you should definitely flush this ink from a pen if you're going to leave it for more than a week without use – it will make the pen very difficult, if not impossible, to clean if it dries in the pen.

<SNIP>

 

Dave! Thank you for this review of Platinum Carbon Black. I acquired a sample of this ink and really like it. I've read and been told so many disparate opinions concerning using this in fountain pens I stopped using it. As someone who practices excellent fountain pen hygiene, I think I could use this ink without issue.

 

It is disturbing, however, to read that in the event the ink does dry in the pen, "it will make the pen very difficult, if not impossible, to clean if it dries in the pen." I tried to get an answer from Nibs.com on using this ink but that effort fell on deaf ears apparently. I'm not really sure how these types of inks really different in maintenance issues from some of the bullet-proof inks offered by Noodler's.

 

Appreciate any thoughts people have, particularly those based on long-term use.

 

kind regards,

Julie

[carpedavid]

<SNIP>

They are specifically formulated for fountain pens, with particles small enough and binders benign enough that they won't clog the feed or interfere with the capillary action of the nib during normal use.

 

From what I can discern, though, the nature of a pigment based ink does call for a vigilant level of pen hygiene. It is always a good idea to flush one's pen with water when switching between inks and between every few fills when sticking with the same ink – and it's essential when using this ink. Additionally, you should definitely flush this ink from a pen if you're going to leave it for more than a week without use – it will make the pen very difficult, if not impossible, to clean if it dries in the pen.

<SNIP>

 

Dave! Thank you for this review of Platinum Carbon Black. I acquired a sample of this ink and really like it. I've read and been told so many disparate opinions concerning using this in fountain pens I stopped using it. As someone who practices excellent fountain pen hygiene, I think I could use this ink without issue.

 

It is disturbing, however, to read that in the event the ink does dry in the pen, "it will make the pen very difficult, if not impossible, to clean if it dries in the pen." I tried to get an answer from Nibs.com on using this ink but that effort fell on deaf ears apparently. I'm not really sure how these types of inks really different in maintenance issues from some of the bullet-proof inks offered by Noodler's.

 

Appreciate any thoughts people have, particularly those based on long-term use.

 

kind regards,

Julie

 

Hi Julie,

 

I believe the issue is that, when the ink dries in the pen, the pigment can clog the feed, which, depending on the construction of the pen, can make it nearly impossible to flush out. It's a little bit like letting paint dry on the brush - it makes it extremely difficult to clean off. I'm not sure if there's a solvent that would work to dissolve it without damaging the pen.

 

However, I don't have long term experience with the ink, so I'll let others chime in from that perspective.

 

Dave

[Signum1]

I have a Pelikan M200 load with the Pigment Blue ink from Platinum. The ink dried in the pen after months of neglect on my part.:embarrassed_smile: When I flushed the pen with hot water, I noticed there were solid blue substance. With a few swabs and hot water I manage to clean the inside barrel of my Pelikan M200. I applied grease on the inside of the barrel to enhance the smoothness of the piston and load it with Private reserve Supershow Blue. The Pelikan M200 writes beautifully with the Supershow blue.

 

I would suggest that for carbon inks use a fountain pen, which you can remove the nib and feed unit by pull them apart. These types of friction nibs are very easy to clean. Whereas the Pelikan nibs are attached to the feed and you require special tool to separate the nib and feed for through cleaning.

 

Dave, thanks for the wonderful ink review. You have the Sailor's nano black to compare the wonderful smoothness?

[jde]

<snip>

 

I would suggest that for carbon inks use a fountain pen, which you can remove the nib and feed unit by pull them apart. These types of friction nibs are very easy to clean. Whereas the Pelikan nibs are attached to the feed and you require special tool to separate the nib and feed for through cleaning.

<snip>

 

Thanks Signum1: This is very good advice. Another pen friend who uses Platinum Carbon also recommends this.

 

 

I believe the issue is that, when the ink dries in the pen, the pigment can clog the feed, which, depending on the construction of the pen, can make it nearly impossible to flush out. It's a little bit like letting paint dry on the brush - it makes it extremely difficult to clean off. I'm not sure if there's a solvent that would work to dissolve it without damaging the pen.

 

 

Dave: Yes, this was very clear from your review. I think the pen I want to use it in does not meet the suggested pen style that Signum1 recommends and so will stick with other bullet proof ink. This is a very lovely, lovely black. Again, very nice review!

 

 

 

 

[nicholasyeo]

I am fortunate that all my pens are friction fit! That's going to make it easy!

[carpedavid]

I have a Pelikan M200 load with the Pigment Blue ink from Platinum. The ink dried in the pen after months of neglect on my part.:embarrassed_smile: When I flushed the pen with hot water, I noticed there were solid blue substance. With a few swabs and hot water I manage to clean the inside barrel of my Pelikan M200. I applied grease on the inside of the barrel to enhance the smoothness of the piston and load it with Private reserve Supershow Blue. The Pelikan M200 writes beautifully with the Supershow blue.

 

I would suggest that for carbon inks use a fountain pen, which you can remove the nib and feed unit by pull them apart. These types of friction nibs are very easy to clean. Whereas the Pelikan nibs are attached to the feed and you require special tool to separate the nib and feed for through cleaning.

 

Dave, thanks for the wonderful ink review. You have the Sailor's nano black to compare the wonderful smoothness?

 

Hi Signum,

 

I do not have the Sailor Nano Black at the moment, alas. It's on my ever-expending list of inks to try, though.

[ethernautrix]

Carpedavid, that was a very good review. Thank you.

 

I have Platinum Carbon Black, and initially I was very enthusiastic about using it, but I really do prefer my Noodler's Black (maybe in part for the peace of mind factor). I will use the PCB in my Danitrio Komori, cos I can take the nib and feed apart easily for thoroughly cleanings.

 

The Sailor Nano, hmm?

[jsonewald]

Very nicely done review. I recently put PCB is a couple of pens and have been very pleased with the results. My long time black ink favorite, HoD, is likely to be changed to PCB as a result.

[ville900]

Wow thanks for this great review. I too am looking forward to the comparison with the famous Sailor Kiwa-Guro.

[in the flow]

ahhhh, just ordered some ink and only got a sample vial of this. Your review swings me over to the PCB! Fantastic review, and the perks sound like what I'm looking for in my artwork.

[ethernautrix]

I was just looking for a comparison between the Sailor Nano and the Platinum Carbon.... Well. As long as I have the Platinum Carbon (two bottles and some cartridges), I should use it. I think it'll be fine in the Nakaya Mini Decapod. I'll flush every few fillings or so.

[nicholasyeo]

I feel that my recent acquisition of Nano-carbon is highly interesting.

The ink dries with a jet black glisten but then becomes greyish, somewhat

from angles. When looking at it from the top, it is wonderfully black. Just

nice, not too overdone, so it still flows really really well. Wonder how the

Platinum is on these areas... :hmm1:

[ethernautrix]

I feel that my recent acquisition of Nano-carbon is highly interesting.

The ink dries with a jet black glisten but then becomes greyish, somewhat

from angles. When looking at it from the top, it is wonderfully black. Just

nice, not too overdone, so it still flows really really well. Wonder how the

Platinum is on these areas... :hmm1:

 

 

It really does depend on the paper and pen (ink flow). In my Nakaya Mini Decapod, the flow is nice and wet, so the PCB is very black and shiny, even on the cheap paper I use.

 

In my Danitrio Komori, the ink seems to flow wet enough but somehow it dries a sort of flat, matte black-gray. Not gray as in pencil-lead gray, but matte asphalt black-gray (not shiny hot tar black, which is what it can look like -- just not from the D. Komori).

 

The DMDecapod loves this ink. The nib's a sortv F stub. PCB is opaque black from this pen.

[jde]

Sooooooooooo trying to understand... it is not Platinum Carbon itself which can cause feed problems—David writes that if you leave the ink in the pen the feed could become impossible to clean—it is the nature of carbon inks? So that the Sailor carbons require the same cautions?

 

perpetually confused,

[Pen Nut]

Great review !!!

[carpedavid]

Sooooooooooo trying to understand... it is not Platinum Carbon itself which can cause feed problems—David writes that if you leave the ink in the pen the feed could become impossible to clean—it is the nature of carbon inks? So that the Sailor carbons require the same cautions?

 

perpetually confused,

 

Hi jde,

 

It is pigmented inks, in general, that you need to watch out for. That includes all of the Platinum pigmented inks as well as the Sailor nano inks.

 

Dave

[jde]

Sooooooooooo trying to understand... it is not Platinum Carbon itself which can cause feed problems—David writes that if you leave the ink in the pen the feed could become impossible to clean—it is the nature of carbon inks? So that the Sailor carbons require the same cautions?

 

perpetually confused,

 

Hi jde,

 

It is pigmented inks, in general, that you need to watch out for. That includes all of the Platinum pigmented inks as well as the Sailor nano inks.

 

Dave

 

Thank you, Dave! Oooooooooo I get it now. Truly.

Sometimes slowly,

 

--Julie