Reversing Detergent-Treated Ink?

[thINK]

A question for the ink-masters around.

 

I have used a quite dry ink in one of my FP's. Horrible and annoying to write with. I didn't want to work on the nib of the FP, since with more wet inks it does pretty fine. So I decided on treating the ink by adding some detergent. But i overdid it a little. Ooops.

 

So now the ink is too wet. Not extermely, but just a little too much. Is there anything I can do to reverse my detergent-action a bit? The ink is very saturated, so if f.e. adding some water or other liquid (such as ....?) could be a possibility. But maybe that way I'm completely spoiling my ink. Does any-one has an idea?

[Parker Quink Turquoise]

Hello thINK,do not have an answer to your queston,but just wanted to say that I really like your site name.Very imaginative.

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

 

Your idea of diluting the ink is a good one. Dilution will lower the dye-load and the amount of surfactant [detergent] per unit volume.

 

I found that most saturated inks can handle 40% dilution, (2 parts ink + 3 parts water), so that might be a good place to start. Depending on the situation, consider adding some of the unadulterated stock ink.

 

Also, as household detergent may leave a residue, I suggest being more thorough than usual when cleansing the pen/s used with the treated ink.

 

As household detergent contains ingredients that may not be good for your pen in the long term, I suggest using the treated ink only in a 'modern' inexpensive c/c pen; and to use it as quickly as possible - do not let it linger in an unused pen. But when in doubt, throw it out.

 

Bye,

S1

 

__ __

See also:

• Dilution - A Rough Guide @ Post № 23 https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/218161-need-help-selecting-my-first-japanese-pens/?p=2315439
• In Praise of Dish Soap : https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/199472-in-praise-of-dish-soap/
• Dilution Samples : Noodler's FPN Van Gogh Starry Night : https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/240697-dilution-noodlers-f-p-n-van-gogh-starry-night-blue/page__view__findpost__p__2610590

Edited August 5, 2013 by Sandy1

[swanjun]

My first thought is... add more ink. That would reduce the ink -> detergent ratio, I'd think. However! Grain of salt and all that, as I've never tried this method with dry ink.

[thINK]

Hello thINK,do not have an answer to your queston,but just wanted to say that I really like your site name.Very imaginative.

Well, thank you for the compliment!

[thINK]

As household detergent contains ingredients that may not be good for your pen in the long term, I suggest using the treated ink only in a 'modern' inexpensive c/c pen;

 

Thnx.

 

I think I'll try the 40% delution solution... Hoping that this will solve the issue. The (modern) pen has a steel nib, and wasn't extremely expensive (not over the €100-limit), but pricely enough for me to want it to keep going. On the other hand it is at the moment my daily writer... so the ink doesn't get stuck for too long in the pen. But I switch (back) to one of my another pens for my daily routine i'll clean it out thoroughly.

[thINK]

My first thought is... add more ink. That would reduce the ink -> detergent ratio, I'd think. However! Grain of salt and all that, as I've never tried this method with dry ink.

Your suggestion seems to make sense (probable even more than adding H2O).Unfortunately I've contaminated the whole bottle (nice lesson learned in the process) and I'm not all that excited on the color. So I have no real intentions of buying another extra bottle of the same ink.

[Bill Wood]

Well I've done exactly as you have. Diamine Syrah that was a dry ink to begin with. I added way to much photoflo so now I'm going to add water and make two bottles with it. For me it's a painful it. I love it but I have trouble with it. So now ... More water as Si suggested.

[Felix1]

Glad to see you mentioned Photo-Flo, Bill. My choice as well. Doesn't take much.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/28195-REG/Kodak_1464510_Photo_Flo_200_Solution.html