Disappearing Ink

January 17, 2015

Just the other day, I had the idea for an ink that could be written with normally, but then automatically fade away completely within a certain short time frame, like 24 hours or so.

Since then, I have searched the internet a bit and determined that it is possible to make, and even found videos on how to make it yourself and novelty items using the concept. Of course, making colored water that can turn clear because of a chemical reaction is just not the same as having an ink that is truly fountain pen viable, which is what I would be using it for. Because of that, it would be so great to find any ink maker/company interested in the concept (Noodler's springs to mind), or at least find someone who's tried making and writing with it.

What possible uses could this ink have? I'll try and name a few, but it would be helpful if anyone offers any more ideas.

reusing the same paper like a cheapskate
writing in a journal without being self-conscious (the idea that sparked my interest)
general security purposes
messing around and having fun
fooling and tricking people you like
fooling and tricking people you don't like

Just to help, here are several notable links I found while searching:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/bf21/

http://www.amazon.com/Fun-Express-25-90-Disappearing/dp/B009T9JJSM

January 17, 2015

We have one in our next Operation Stone Age ink group. FPNer Agge has made it for us.

January 17, 2015

Oh, cool! Thank you! How would I go about buying this ink, and where can I find more information on it?

January 17, 2015

Oh, cool! Thank you! How would I go about buying this ink, and where can I find more information on it?

The ink was a mix of Colbalt Chloride Anhydrate and water. The ink lays down pink but one it is dried, it becomes clear and vanishes. You can make the ink reappear with high humidity to steam.

Colbalt chloride Anhydrate will turn into Colbalt chloride hexahydrate when exposed to water.

January 17, 2015

See someone was paying attention.

January 18, 2015

See someone was paying attention.

Yep! I like science!

Did the colbalt chloride ever get to you? Are you gonna send us some or nah?

Edited January 18, 2015 by musicman123

January 18, 2015

It hasn't arrived yet. I'm sort of thinking that we will do another set of ink play.

January 19, 2015

Some one in the past used ink like this when he wrote a check for cash at the back for a large amount, by the time the check made it thru the system the ink vanished and the amount was a lot lower and the bank thought it was a mistake and something like this, I am forgetting major details but this was a long time ago.

Anyway, point being he used the ink to defraud or "kite" checks etc. of course he was eventually caught.