Montblanc Permanent Blue + Permanent Black (16:1 Mix)

[Demiblade]

After much hesitations, I have gone ahead and done it. Mixing the Montblanc Permanent Blue with Black. I already have the Montblanc Midnight Blue (new non-irongall formula) so I was sure I love how blue black looks professional yet still interesting. Since I already own Caran d'Ache Magnetic Blue, I'm not exactly short of blue black inks to write with either. The only thing bugging me was the lack of water resistance, especially for writing and signing cheques. Now I am happy. This end result of a custom mix is very much water and spill proof -- owing to its origin of water proof parents.

 

Another concern I had was the color itself. What I don't like about certain blue black inks like Parker Quink is that they have this hint of green, making the ink look too playful and less graceful. The ratios were an interesting process for me as first time mixing inks.

 

10:1 -- Way too black, you could mistake it for a black.
13:1 -- Not a bad mix, under certain lightings, it looks like Caran d'Ache Magnetic Blue
16:1 -- Finally a color I am happy with. A true Blue Black that is water proof.

 

Original shading characteristics of Montblanc Permanent Blue seems to get amplified. A blue to black gradient forms from light to dark parts of the lines, making it look unmistakably fountain pen ink on paper.

Edited March 30, 2015 by Demiblade

[torstar]

very good, I haven't done mixing for a few years now

[LeonW]

Thanks for the formula - I need to get the MB Permanent Blue to play along.

[Frank C]

Have you tested the water resistance? While I would think your combination would be waterproof, something could go on at a molecular level to change that property. Scans are always appreciated and educational.

 

I do like the result—a muted blue. I'll have to get out the syringes and give this a go. I find the Permanent Blue a little bright for my tastes and the black is well, just black.

[Demiblade]

Here you go, a proper scan to see the true colors.

Edited March 31, 2015 by Demiblade

[Demiblade]

Water proof? You bet, everything stays through abuse. In contrast, the new formula Montblanc midnight blue or Caran d'Ache magnetic blue washes off with water in seconds.

Edited March 31, 2015 by Demiblade

[Frank C]

Scans are always appreciated and educational.

 

Thanks again for doing the work and sharing your results. I hadn't thought of this myself.

[Sasha Royale]

Blue to Black

16 : 1

Got it ! Thanks !

Have you tried a touch of red in it ?

[Demiblade]

Blue to Black

16 : 1

Got it ! Thanks !

Have you tried a touch of red in it ?

Probably not for now. I had a few objectives that I have set out to achieve with this blue black.

 

Firstly, it has to be 100% water proof for cheques and signatures, with no smearing, color change, or whatsoever with water. At this stage, it is. So mixing in new formula Montblanc Burgundy Red could make the red parts to wash off with water. Sadly, Montblanc now makes only two colors of permanent inks (excluding special editions).

 

Secondly, even if I could get hold of the vintage water resistant MB Burgundy Red, the black Montblanc Writing Instrument Service Guide that accompany every new MB fountain pen (probably referring to the old Iron-gall based formulas) says

"Important Note. The use of Burgundy Red ink is not recommended for the Star Walker Midnight Black series. The ferro-gallic content (of the ink) might cause colour changes on the nib and forepart in the long-term."

I sort of don't want that happen to my Starwalker Midnight Black Metal! I know there are companies other than Montblanc that makes red ink, but I prefer to keep this mix in the Monblanc bloodline for now.

[Frank C]

 

"Important Note. The use of Burgundy Red ink is not recommended for the Star Walker Midnight Black series. The ferro-gallic content (of the ink) might cause colour changes on the nib and forepart in the long-term."

 

I had no idea that the old burgundy was an iron-gall ink. Now I'll have to dig up one of my old bottles and check a few things out.

[setriode]

Like Frank, this is news to me. I have several bottles (5?) sitting unused and must try the MB burgundy but in a wet nib because my recollection is that it is quite a dilute colour.

Edited April 3, 2015 by setriode

[Frank C]

There have been several topics on FPN about this before. I believe the consensus is that it is not iron gall, but rather a typographical error in the MB literature. Others have tested their old ink and not found the darkening consistent with the oxidation of an iron gall ink.

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/257887-is-mont-blanc-burgundy-red-cart-iron-gall/

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/281762-did-you-know-mb-burgundy-red-is-an-iron-gallic-ink/

 

If you do decide to dig out your old ink, and see something, please let us know.