---
title: "Inks — safety, properties, manufacturers"
description: "Which inks are fountain pen safe? Pigment, shimmer, iron-gall, manufacturers (Montblanc, Pelikan, Diamine, Iroshizuku)."
language: en
date_modified: 2026-05-19
date_published: 2026-05-19
license: CC BY 4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_url: https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-chunks-en/08_tinten.md
landing_url: https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-llm-en.htm
publisher: fountainpen.de
author: Michael Steiner
keywords: ['ink', 'pigment ink', 'shimmer', 'iron-gall', 'Diamine', 'Iroshizuku']
entries: 87
---

# Inks — safety, properties, manufacturers

> Which inks are fountain pen safe? Pigment, shimmer, iron-gall, manufacturers (Montblanc, Pelikan, Diamine, Iroshizuku).

Knowledge base from the former fountainpen.de forum (anonymised, AI-curated). **87 entries** in this topic block. Full index: <https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-llm-en.htm>.

## Ink

### What ink properties (viscosity, surface tension) do the standard inks from Lamy, Pelikan and Montblanc show?

Measurements show that all three royal-blue inks have very similar viscosities of about 1.01–1.03 mm²/s — only some 10 percent above water, with no real difference between them. There is, however, a clear difference in surface tension: Montblanc is around 49 mN/m, Pelikan around 57 mN/m and Lamy around 69 mN/m, so Montblanc shows the easiest start-up behaviour. A further drop in surface tension would lead to uncontrolled ink flow. Viscosity is determined with a capillary viscometer at a temperature held constant to 0.01 °C; surface tension is measured by the Wilhelmy method using a platinum ring or plate and a high-precision balance. Personal experiments with other inks can be useful, since the nib's behaviour and the ink interact strongly.

### Is there document-proof ink for fountain pens that meets the relevant DIN requirements?

Yes — document-proof fountain-pen ink exists. Montblanc Blue-Black, today sold as Midnight Blue, is an iron-gall ink and, according to Montblanc Customer Service, has been tested by the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) for light-fastness, water-drop resistance, smudge resistance and resistance to falsification attempts and is approved for documents including cheques. The package insert also marks the ink as document-proof. Other options mentioned are Noodler's Black (Bulletproof) and inks from De Atramentis. It is important not to mix iron-gall inks with other inks (they will thicken) and to clean the pen regularly.

### What colours are in the Jansen / De Atramentis ink range?

Jansen inks have been popular among collectors for years. The colour range covers a broad selection of typical hues: in the yellow band lemon-yellow, golden-yellow, ochre-yellow and yellow-orange. In the red and pink spectrum: red-orange, poppy-red, antique-rose, carmine, coral, ruby, magenta, fuchsia, red-brown, Bordeaux and oriental red. In the brown range: copper-brown, terra di Sienna and sepia. The greens include May green, moss green, olive, bamboo green, fir green, patina green, emerald, turquoise and mint. In the blues and purples: light blue, sky blue, royal blue, steel blue, sapphire, Atlantic blue, indigo, lavender, dark blue, heather purple, deep purple and aubergine. Greys and blacks include fog grey, silver grey, cement grey, ebony, black, graphite black and night black, plus a document ink and Sahara grey. The colours shown are only a first reference, since the actual colour depends on the ink flow and nib width of the pen used; correct colour reproduction also requires a calibrated monitor and a colour-managed scanner.

### What helps when a pen with strong ink flow makes a particular ink bleed heavily?

The main culprit is usually not the ink itself but the paper: on absorbent copier paper inks like Private Reserve Tropical Blue spread more, while on better, sized paper (e.g. Clairefontaine) a clean line emerges. The thread bears this out: with better paper the bleed disappeared completely. Alternatively, the ink flow at the pen can be tuned by adjusting nib and feed alignment, although on expensive gold-nibbed pens many collectors do not feel comfortable doing this themselves. Big differences in ink viscosity are rarely seen in the forum; brands like Diamine or Noodler's are not generally regarded as particularly "dry". When buying ink, an individual recommendation from experienced dealers like Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de) is worthwhile.

### Which ink colour is regarded historically and today as the classic for fountain pens?

Historically, ink was black, since the original ingredients were soot and iron-gall; iron-gall is still found today in blue-black ink. The colour blue only took hold in the 20th century and is today regarded as the typical fountain-pen ink — many career guides also recommend blue for signatures. Black has the advantage that it used to copy better, although that argument is moot with modern colour copiers. The most important point is to choose a water-soluble ink, since only such inks can be flushed out of the pen with simple means; royal blue inks are usually water-soluble. Pelikan 4001 royal blue and Lamy royal blue are inexpensive and good; Pelikan 4001 black, by contrast, tends to clog the feed and is not water-soluble.

### Can inks other than Montblanc inks be used in a Montblanc fountain pen, e.g. for a particular green colour or better ink flow?

Third-party inks can be used in a Montblanc without problem in principle; the warnings of some dealers about suspended particles or quality variations are not borne out in practice. Jansen inks like fir-green or Atlantic blue are praised by forum members for their good flow and strong colours and can even ease start-up problems on the 146. Standardgraph moss-green and Parker Quink as well as Private Reserve Sherwood Green are also popular options, although Sherwood Green dries slowly. Iron-gall ink should only be used in dip-pen holders designed for it, not in a fountain pen. Some inks like Noodler's are regarded as fairly viscous. Very old ink should not be used.

### How is the Montblanc Season's Greetings 2005 scented ink to be assessed?

Testers are convinced by the dark brown colour (between gingerbread and chocolate) and a discreet, Christmassy but not cinnamon- or speculaas-like scent. The fragrance intensity is below the well-known Loveletter Ink, which is felt to be pleasant. The ink bottle is a high-quality design object. The price at about 11.50 euros for the bottle is comparable to the Loveletter Ink. Anyone who does not want to carry the scent in their pen for weeks should choose the bottle rather than the cartridge, since the scent partly clings to the feed; on paper, however, the scent dissipates within a day. Quick supply shortages similar to the Loveletter Ink are expected.

### Which special and scented inks does Montblanc offer?

Montblanc's special-ink range includes, among others, the Montblanc LoveLetter Ink and the Montblanc Season's Greetings ink. Both belong to the special inks that extend the line-up beyond the regular standard inks.

### Which flat ink bottle with refill insert from the 1990s is being sought, and are there comparable products today?

The bottle in question is most likely the Parker Penman, which is no longer regularly available in that exact form. A virtually identical bottle is supplied today with the Parker Duofold True Blue, but buying it as a refill is expensive. Similar designs with plastic insert, refill funnel or a collection well for ink residues are offered by Levenger as well as Lamy, Sheaffer and Visconti in their ink bottles. Levenger inks and similar specialities are easy to obtain through Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de); the assortment is broad and individual advice is possible. Anyone looking for a specific bottle can ask there directly.

### Why do you release a few drops of ink when filling a piston pen, and how deep should the nib be dipped?

When drawing up, the capillary chambers in the feed fill completely with ink; pushing out a few drops afterwards creates space so that these chambers can again perform their function (pressure equalisation when flying or with temperature changes) — this prevents blots and leaks and so protects clothing and paper above all. When dipping it is enough for the nib to stand fully in the ink; some collectors dip the grip section a little way in to keep the piston from drawing too much air — that is safer but requires wiping afterwards. It is important to operate the piston slowly so that the ink level reaches as high as possible.

### Which wine inks does the Jansen ink manufactory offer, and how were they tested?

The Jansen ink manufactory offers a variety of wine inks, of which the following were tested: Bordeaux, Barolo, Blauer Portugieser, Lemberger and Dornfelder. As expected, each of these inks has a typical scent corresponding to the respective wine; above all the clear colour differences are remarkable, since each ink has its own character. The writing test was carried out with a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 with an OBB nib and a Montblanc Meisterstück with an OM nib on normal copy paper. Since copy paper usually does not have particularly high quality, fraying at the edges can occur with more flowing inks. On higher-quality papers this effect does not appear.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 146 (Le Grand): https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-146-en.htm

### Should you use only Montblanc ink in Montblanc fountain pens such as the Mozart, or can third-party inks also be filled in safely?

Collectors report repeated problems with certain third-party inks, especially Private Reserve, which in small Montblanc models like the Mozart lead to heavy 'soup' where cap and grip section are full of ink after a short time; comparable effects also occurred with a Pelikan M200. Thorough flushing before changing does not reliably eliminate the problem, since the small pin that opens the cartridge seal, or other components, can be permanently impaired by aggressive inks; even after returning to the original Montblanc cartridge the soup often continues to appear. Other inks, e.g. black inks from older inkjet cartridges, run by contrast without problems in larger models such as the 146. Anyone using third-party inks in smaller Meisterstücks risks a repair, in which Montblanc typically renews the front section and feed and only retains the old nib; the maker's note to use only Montblanc ink therefore has practical justification.

### What experiences arise when writing with the De Atramentis scented ink 'pour homme, Davidoff Cool Water'?

The De Atramentis scented ink 'pour homme, Davidoff Cool Water' clearly smells in the bottle of the corresponding men's perfume, but in the filled fountain pen the scent is less directly perceptible. The ink was first tested in a Waterman Charleston as well as in two to three further pens with converter and piston filling; no abnormalities were to be observed. Neither deposits on refilling nor problems on switching to another ink occurred. On good paper the folded written text retains its scent for a few more days; on simple copy paper the scent dissipates quickly. The ink shows a rich Atlantic blue. The flacon contents are 20 ml, the weight about 230 g, the dimensions are roughly 4.8 x 4.8 x 6.8 cm including the lid.

### What experiences exist with Montblanc Loveletter Ink regarding cleaning, scent and ink residues?

The Loveletter Ink (Je t'aime) delivers a pleasant Bordeaux red and a rose-like scent that on paper quickly dissipates, but in the bottle is pungent. Water solubility and erasability are inconsistently stated in the trade; collector reports show, however, that red shades are basically more problematic than blues and adhere longer in the feed. A serious disadvantage is the lasting odour off-gassing of the pen: even after weeks of flushing and refilling with neutral-scented ink, the smell often persists for four and a half weeks or longer, which can be unpleasant in closed rooms. Recommended is therefore use in an only occasionally used pen, thorough flushing immediately after writing dry, and prolonged airing of the opened pen over several days.

### How do you remove a fresh black Lamy ink stain from a white cotton shirt?

The method proven in the forum begins with liquid bile soap, applied directly to the stain, left to act for about fifteen minutes and rinsed out with water. Treatment with a heavy-duty detergent such as Persil and a complete machine wash follow; after this procedure the stain is gone without trace, without the fabric being visibly stressed. As an emergency solution on purely white textiles, bleaching with chlorine is also mentioned, e.g. for table linen; collectors advise, however, to start with bile soap before resorting to the radical cure. On coloured or sensitive fabrics chlorine and aggressive ink removers are to be avoided.

### Which inks are suitable for historical Montblanc fountain pens, and is it true that only Pelikan ink is solvent-free?

A completely solvent-free ink does not in principle exist, since water itself is an inorganic solvent; the claim that Pelikan ink, in contrast to MB ink, is gentler on historical pens is not substantiated. Recommended for old pens is Pelikan 4001 royal blue or Montblanc royal blue, both well water-soluble and so easily rinsed from the feed. In general, caution is warranted with coloured and especially red inks, since they are more aggressive and can eat into the material. Iron-gall ink should absolutely be avoided in old pens. Ink can indeed spoil or grow mould, which is why use of ink no older than three years and regular cleaning of pens is recommended. Open shelf life is, according to Pelikan, about five years for ink bottles and twelve months for cartridges.

### Can ink in a fountain pen freeze, and from what temperature should one be cautious?

Ink does indeed freeze already at slightly sub-zero temperatures; a Montblanc royal blue, for example, already at -0.3 to -0.5 degrees Celsius, since ordinary inks are water-based. The pen does not write in the frozen state and writes more weakly during thawing; ink puddles can form around nib and feed during thawing. Cartridges do not necessarily burst in tests, but the fill level can change due to the anomaly of water and the closure ball can discolour. With normal outside cold and storage in an inside pocket of the jacket there is practically no danger. With really arctic temperatures it is recommended to leave pens in the warmth. Pencils are suitable as a cold-insensitive alternative.

### Is red ink harmful for fountain pens, and which alternatives cause fewer deposits?

Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Red tends to leave unsightly deposits with a green sheen and can clog the feed so that the nib jams; in one case the ink damaged a Lamy pen so badly that it had to be discarded. In general, coloured inks, especially red, are more aggressive than royal blue. The recommendation is to use red ink only in inexpensive pens or in models without sight window like the Waterman Serenitè and to flush the pen every few weeks during heavy use. As alternative reds with better behaviour, Private Reserve Dakota Red, Private Reserve Orange Crush, Diamine Monaco Red and Bordeaux-coloured Montblanc ink and inks from Jansen are regarded.

### Which new Montblanc inks are introduced, and when do the permanent inks come on the market?

Montblanc announces two new permanent inks in blue and black, with minimalist white labels and the marking 'permanent'; the classic blue-black tone is preserved under the name Midnight Blue but no longer counts as a reference for permanent. In addition come two special inks, one for a high-priced edition on a 20th-century personality and one for the annual Writers Edition. The Permanent inks originally planned for April 2012 were postponed several times, most recently to 2013. In the meantime Meisterstück Diamond was introduced as an intense South Sea blue tone in a small bottle for about 13 euros, as well as a new cartridge packaging with 20 instead of 8 cartridges for around 7 euros. Seasonal inks appeared with winter-motif packaging in a red tone comparable to the Hitchcock Special Edition.

### Which practical alternatives are there for taking ink along while travelling, and are earlier travel ink containers still available today?

The Italian maker Visconti offers a Travelling Inkwell, which after a short familiarisation is safe to operate and proves itself especially in combination with ink pellets, since then only tap water is needed. As a more comfortable alternative, collectors recommend the Montblanc 147 Traveller or cartridge pens like the 145 Chopin, which manage without an ink bottle. Cartridge pens are the most practical solution for travel, while travel ink bottles remain interesting more for lovers of traditional filling.

### How do you fill a Haro II lever pen with glass nib, and where do you get replacement ink sacs for historical lever pens?

The Haro II is presumably a classic lever filler with internal rubber sac. To fill, the nib is dipped in the ink bottle, the side lever operated (compresses the ink sac) and then returned to the starting position; through the resulting vacuum the sac sucks up the ink. Replacement ink sacs are rare in Germany but still available in the USA from a specialised firm; an assortment with about 15 sacs in various sizes costs about 33 euros.

### Can iron-gall ink (e.g. Montblanc Blue-Black) be used safely in a vintage pen like the Montblanc 342 from the 1950s?

Iron-gall inks leave waterproof deposits, which is particularly problematic on old pens and rare use; a 342 can in an emergency be opened and cleaned, but regular use is not recommended. Practical experience shows that even with weekly cleaning, traces can arise on the ink window and in the feed. Frequent flushing with lukewarm (not hot) water is recommended by drawing in and emptying until the rinsing is clear. Anyone using iron-gall ink anyway should use the pen daily and care for it thoroughly; in doubt a modern water-soluble ink is safer for valuable vintage pieces.

### Does Montblanc ink age, and how long can an opened bottle of ink be reliably used?

Ink is an organic substance and should not be used for longer than around three years after opening, since oxygen contact, evaporation and ageing change consistency, colour intensity and flow behaviour. Batch-related colour deviations are also normal even with fresh ink. A 1-litre bottle of Montblanc vintage ink from the 1950s is, from a collector view, more likely placed unopened on the shelf as a contemporary witness; collector value drops by opening. Computationally, one litre yields about 20 fillings of today's bottles (shop price about 170 euros); the ink value, however, makes up only a small part of this price; the main share lies in the glass.

### Which document-proof ink in a discreet colour is suitable for a Parker fountain pen without it leading to clogs as previously with Montblanc Blue-Black?

Collectors regard it as unlikely that the clog was caused by the Montblanc ink itself; a pre-existing damage or chemical reaction through mixing different inks on the change is suspected. Before filling with a new ink, the pen should therefore be flushed thoroughly. As a reliable alternative the ink manufactory Jansen (de-atramentis.com) is recommended, which offers document-proof inks in numerous, also discreet colours. Own ink mixtures are regarded as risky without experience values.

### How can a Montblanc ink cartridge leak in the shirt pocket, and how can ink stains be removed from textiles?

Self-opening caps frequently occur on short models like the Mozart when the screw cap loosens unnoticed through strong motion in the pocket; pressure differences with altitude (aircraft, mountain stay) can also favour leakage; in the concrete case it was the motion. For non-water-soluble ink there is no easy household remedy; recommended is Amodex (amodexink.com), available also via eBay from the USA or UK online shops. Alternatively, going to a specialist cleaner helps. Ink stains on jeans are particularly stubborn.

### How do you clean a fountain pen in which waterproof ink has dried without damaging the pen?

A water bath of about six days is recommended, optionally with mild soap solution, then thorough flushing. Important: pens of celluloid, ebonite or hard rubber must neither be placed in an ultrasonic bath nor in a longer water bath, since hard rubber especially absorbs the water's colour and loses its own colour. Further care notes are in the forum section 'Care - Repair'.

### Can black ink attack the gold alloy on the cartridge slide of a Montblanc Traveller, and how can this be avoided?

Black Montblanc ink is not fully water-soluble and counts as more aggressive than blue ink; it can indeed attack the gold alloy on the cartridge slide, with mostly only material removal and no rust formation observed. Red inks also tend to cause problems. Preventively, regular cleaning of the pen and letting it dry openly help, as does switching to a milder ink, e.g. blue. The Traveller in the black variant was still produced at least until 2005; the Solitaire silver variants, by contrast, were only available in very small quantities.

### How is the ink with 24-carat gold nanoparticles to be assessed, and what is to be considered in application and cleaning of the pen?

The 24k gold ink is a nanoparticle pigment, held in water, and was offered with an introductory price of around 139 euros but is meanwhile situated at around 290 euros. Document-proofness and water resistance arise only on drying on the paper; before that the ink behaves like a normal water-soluble ink. For cleaning the pen, therefore, clear tap water suffices; important is not to leave the pen unused too long, since the ink otherwise clumps and solidifies. Collectors voice concerns about the high price and see in a second pen the more sensible investment.

### Which suppliers and experiences exist for perfumed or scented fountain-pen inks?

Alongside the Berlin ink manufactory von Blythen, Franz-Josef Jansen (tintenonline.de) has been offering scented inks with good flow properties for years; especially the Lavender Blue scented ink is described as excellent and is even suitable for elaborate skeleton pens. Collectors report positively about the variants Fir Green with and without lemon (discreet scent, very good flow in Montblanc 146 and 144) and about fine bakelite screw caps and safe packaging; value for money is regarded as very good. Anyone wanting to move away from monotone black or royal blue finds in scented inks a sensual extension of letter writing (addressing the sense of smell).

### Which properties and prices have the new permanent Montblanc inks 2013 in blue and black?

Montblanc releases two new permanent inks in blue and black, supplementary to the older Blue-Black variant; they will be available in unchanged bottle form and also as cartridges, with minimalist design (white boxes and labels). In the water test the writing is significantly better readable than with classic inks, which confirms the actual permanent quality. Visually the ink recalls acrylic media for artists; the blue variant resembles a Herbin Blue-Black; the black is a very deep, non-glossy grey. The behaviour on inferior paper will still have to show. The price lies around 50 per cent above the standard Montblanc inks and so moves in the range of high-quality Japanese permanent inks like Sailor.

### How do you clean a clogged ink channel of an older piston pen, and how can tarnished gold nibs be made to shine again?

On a clogged ink channel it is recommended to fill the pen with water, leave it lying for a few days and then thoroughly flush with water; that often suffices. For polishing pure gold nibs, Wenol is very well suited and can also be used on body or clip. Important: gold-plated nibs may not be treated with Wenol, since the agent polishes off the thin gold layer. For gold-plated parts and gentle care, a silver-cleaning cloth or special polishing cloth is the right choice. Wenol develops a quite strong odour, which is to be considered as a disadvantage.

### Does Montblanc ink have an expiry date, and how do you recognise whether an ink bottle is already a shelf warmer?

On newer Montblanc ink boxes and on the 'shoe' of the ink bottle a white transverse stripe is printed; if this is missing it can be older shelf goods. Ink in principle has a best-before date that can be found on the packaging. In practice, ready-mixed water-based ink stays stable long, provided the bottle is tightly closed; even collectors who have emptied many bottles barely observe real quality losses over the years. Iron-gall inks and chemically more complex types behave differently and can actually oxidise or thicken.

### Does ink have an expiry date, and can dried ink be refreshed?

On most ink bottles a best-before date is printed that is to be understood rather as a minimum-consumption date — the ink is generally still usable afterwards. With normal water-based ink, dried or thickened liquid can be refreshed with distilled water. Iron-gall ink behaves differently: the iron contained oxidises, which permanently impairs the chemical properties and so writing performance. Collectors observe that even very old ink bottles mostly remain usable over decades, provided they are stored tightly closed.

### Can one without further ado switch from black to royal-blue Montblanc cartridges, and which water is suitable for cleaning?

Black and royal-blue Montblanc inks are of the same type and can be used one after the other without concern. A fundamental cleaning is on a nearly new pen that contained a black cartridge only briefly not strictly necessary; a simple flushing through suffices. Recommended is the use of a converter for comfortable flushing with water until it stays clear. For cleaning, normal tap water cold or lukewarm suffices — due to short contact time no limescale settles. Important is never to mix Blue-Black (a chemical ink) with other inks, since it thickens in the process.

### Which inks can be used in a Waterman Sérénité, and are there recommendations for historical Waterman models with flexible nib?

In principle any fountain-pen ink of various makers can be used; one should only watch for 'fountain-pen ink' in the narrower sense and not use document-proof or particularly aggressive inks in sensitive reservoirs. For flexible nibs, especially the Waterman lever pens of models 52 and 54 from the 1920s and 1930s are recommended; they write excellently, but the hard-rubber bodies are UV- and sweat-sensitive and tend to discolour. To source such historical pieces, e.g. Lutz Fiebig in Magdeburg is named. A specialist check before purchase is sensible, since nib condition and sac tightness are decisive.

### Are perfumed or scented inks (e.g. De Atramentis Davidoff Cool Water) suitable for high-quality fountain pens, and how long does the scent last?

The Jansen / De Atramentis scented inks count among collectors as unproblematic for fountain pens, since they flow cleanly and leave no deposits; tested were among others Waterman Charleston without anomalies. Recommended is to first try a new ink in a less valuable pen and, after first drawing up, return the contents to the bottle to observe the residue behaviour. In the bottle the ink scents clearly of the model perfume; on the pen itself less strongly. On good paper and in closed envelope the scent remains preserved for several days; on simple copy paper it dissipates rapidly. To consider is that scented inks partly continue to scent in the cap, and residues can be perceptible longer even after ink change.

### Why is Montblanc ink temporarily hard to deliver, and does the new ink formulation differ from the older version?

Delivery bottlenecks occur with other makers too (e.g. Pelikan Edelstein); concrete reasons are often not known to dealers, so only patience helps. The reformulated Montblanc inks in changed bottle form are not necessarily better or worse but seem more strongly saturated, by which flushing and cleaning take longer; an exchange of old remainder stocks is not worthwhile. Reports on flow behaviour contradict one another: some find Midnight Blue better-flowing than Blue-Black, others vice versa; the new violet ink counts as rather dry and tends to smear. Ink should be stored darkly, in any case not in direct sun, since colour tones can change or fade.

### Where do you get inexpensive and visually appealing ink bottles, e.g. for the desk in the Stuttgart area?

As an alternative to the expensive Montblanc ink bottle, collectors recommend the travel inkwell of De Atramentis: tight thread, good design, but small capacity. For solid desk bottles of crystal a look at eBay auctions and pens.it is worthwhile; on eBay these are often used collector pieces. Concrete recommendations for the Stuttgart area were not added in the thread. Important is to check the closure type before purchase if the bottle is to be transported or only used for the desk.

### What experiences exist with brown De Atramentis inks, and are red or black inks problematic for the fountain pen?

The De Atramentis ink Leonardo da Vinci in Terra di Sienna is praised as open, harmonious and shinier than Sepia; delivery via Dr. Jansen runs reliably. When cleaning a pen that contained Ochre Yellow, surprisingly neon-green water flows out — reported damages, however, do not exist; advisable is to use the colour only on converters emptied promptly and to clean immediately afterwards. With black inks starting problems are observed; blue inks flow more easily; concrete statements on red inks as particularly aggressive the forum posts could not confirm.

### How long does the scent of a scented ink (e.g. by Jansen or Montblanc Love Letters) remain on the written letter?

Scented inks contain essential oils (predominantly terpenes) added in low dose, since they otherwise attack the plastic (e.g. Plexiglas) of the pen or resinify. The scent dissipates over time differently but persists in closed containers or envelopes longer; a letter written and sent with it scents perceptibly at the recipient. The Dornfelder red-wine ink by Dr. Jansen is expressly suitable for common fountain pens, but critical regarding light fastness, since the contained anthocyanins darken oxidatively in the air. The maker achieves light fastness via corresponding ink recipe.

### How does a beginner fill an old Montblanc No. 24, and which ink or cartridge is suitable?

The Montblanc 24 is a piston pen; conversion to cartridges is not possible but is also not necessary, since the ink reservoir is larger than commercial cartridges. Filling is done with any fountain-pen-suitable ink (in no case Indian ink): dip nib into the ink bottle, turn cone at the barrel end counter-clockwise downward (air escapes), then turn clockwise back until the piston is up (ink is sucked in), pull the nib out and wipe with a cloth. For practice, water is recommended at first, to learn the filling volume. Helpful guides can be found on the Montblanc website and in suitable YouTube videos.

### What is the SuperCleaner SC21 in Montblanc inks, and what does it do?

SC21 is a cleaning additive blended in by Montblanc that ensures the ink crusts the feed and piston less strongly than other inks. By that, converters and pens can be flushed and cleaned more easily. Comparable additives partly exist in other inks too, but Montblanc explicitly emphasises this cleaning effect as a product feature.

### Which ingredients does the Montblanc Blue-Black iron-gall ink contain?

It is a classic iron-gall ink in which iron(II) salt is initially present, oxidising through atmospheric oxygen to iron(III) and forming with tannic acids the lasting dark colour tone. Detailed explanations are provided by the Wikipedia entries on ink and iron-gall ink and chemical specialist pages. Phenol as preservative is today, for toxicological reasons, unusual and presumably no longer contained; the use would in any case be subject to declaration under the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. More likely are modern, less toxic preservatives like salicylic-acid derivatives; an exact composition Montblanc gives on enquiry.

### How does one change the ink in a fountain pen when several ink colours are to be used?

Collectors pursue different strategies: some permanently reserve individual fountain pens for one colour, others switch as needed. When changing, Montblanc recommends thorough rinsing with water, especially when switching between very different colours. Cartridge users can also write the old cartridge empty and insert the new one, but must then accept a brief phase of mixed colour until only the new ink flows. Royal blue is considered unproblematic because it hardly dries out even with infrequent use.

### What is the straight line that remains visible in the ink window of a Montblanc 146 when the piston is screwed in?

The straight line is an original wall transition, that is, the material-induced change from the transparent ink window to the black area of the barrel. At this point the piston also strikes in its uppermost position. It is thus neither an ink residue nor a seal, but a structurally intended feature of such barrels; comparable pieces are found in many collections.

### Are scented inks and high-quality inks also available as cartridges or only in ink bottles?

High-quality inks are also available as cartridges, e.g. from J. Herbin in various colours, as well as the Montblanc Seasons Greetings Ink. Sources are online dealers like Captain-Office or specialised providers like Rolf Thiel (missing-pen.de). At missing-pen, a direct enquiry about cartridge types not listed in the online shop is also worthwhile.

### How can a Montblanc 146 be made workable again when the ink has dried up and the piston is blocked?

It is recommended to place the fountain pen without the cap with the nib pointing down in a glass and fill with lukewarm water (about 40 degrees) up to just below the turning knob. By the capillary action of the feed, the water is slowly drawn into the tank over several days; daily, the pen should be turned over once so that the water also reaches the piston. This method requires patience but usually succeeds. It is faster if the cone is unscrewed from the barrel with a special key and the barrel cleaned directly.

### Is the red saffron ink from the Mahatma Gandhi series limited, and why do market prices fluctuate so strongly?

The saffron ink is a regular accompanying ink for the Gandhi edition and not an officially limited edition. After a phase of clearance sales, it was meanwhile again offered in regular trade, which is why partly very high resale prices on the internet do not reflect the real market value. Since the Hitchcock edition has meanwhile appeared as the successor, worse availability is to be expected in the long term; at the current time, however, the ink is still obtainable, depending on the boutique.

### Which blue ink is particularly suitable for a Montblanc Jules Verne?

Recommended above all are the Montblanc inks Royal Blue and Turquoise — the latter is described as fitting the character of the writing instrument and is not too garish. Anyone looking for a more special variant can fall back on the ink named "Jules Verne" from De Atramentis (Jansen). The choice ultimately remains a matter of taste; many boutiques offer matching turquoise ink directly with the fountain pen.

### Is it normal that on a Montblanc 149, after turning the piston down, ink residues are still visible at the ink-view window?

The behaviour is normal: ink residues always remain in the tank and on the piston seal; when turning up, the seal pulls these residues with it, which makes the viewing window appear stained. As long as the same ink colour continues to be used, nothing needs to be done. With an ink change, rinsing should be carried out with water until the viewing window is clear; the same applies before longer writing breaks to avoid drying out. A professional cleaning is only necessary with stubborn deposits or problems with the ink flow; with frequent writing with water-soluble (royal blue) ink, the problem occurs less often.

### Which dark-blue, document-proof ink is suitable for an old Montblanc 342, and what should one look out for when buying ink for old fountain pens?

Basically, every fountain-pen ink from established manufacturers like Pelikan, Montblanc, Lamy or Sheaffer is suitable; exotic US inks should be avoided, since these are partly aggressive. Important is that the ink does not dry out in the fountain pen: rinse with water before longer breaks. Water-soluble inks are the safest, while document-proof or strongly pigmented inks can form deposits, eat into the material and discolour it. Since the 342 is not a high-priced model, a moderate risk with a dark-blue ink (e.g. Pelikan Sapphire) can be taken — regular rinsing is then particularly important.

### Should one use various ink colours one after the other in the same fountain pen, or rather use a separate fountain pen for each colour?

The practice varies; common is the use of several fountain pens with different colours in parallel, because then one can switch as desired. Light inks come better into their own with broader nibs (B or larger) than with EF/F. Certain aggressive or strong inks — e.g. red, Pelikan brown or Montblanc burgundy — can especially in Pelikan demonstrators or celluloid models eat into the material and should as far as possible permanently be assigned to the same (possibly cheaper) fountain pen. Important are regular cleaning and trying out new inks first in less expensive writing instruments.

### Which Montblanc inks are currently and were formerly in the range, in particular Permanent Blue-Black and Emerald Green?

In the ink-bottle range one finds, among others, the colours Black, Royal Blue (washable), Turquoise, Blue-Black (permanent, document-proof), Burgundy Red, Sepia Brown and Emerald Green (dark green); discontinued are, among others, Ruby Red, Smaragd Green, Love Letters and Season's Greetings (chocolate, scented). The cartridges largely correspond to the bottled range, without Turquoise. Permanent Blue-Black and the dark Emerald Green are regular components of the current range, even if availability in individual boutiques can vary.

### Is it normal that black ink (Cross/Pelikan) loses gas in the bottle and the colour particles flocculate?

A change in this form cannot be reproduced in own comparison samples; usual black inks from Montblanc, Visconti or Pelikan remain stable even after long storage. Possible is spoilage by microorganisms (mould) or a chemical process through contamination. Sometimes light shaking before opening helps, since movement reincorporates the particles. Anyone who writes little should rather buy smaller ink quantities so as not to store whole large bottles; with ink from Made-in-Germany glass (Cross ink presumably comes from Pelikan) it is worthwhile checking whether the second bottle shows the same problem.

### How long does a piston filling on the Pelikan Souverän M600 last for everyday student use with longer exam papers?

A piston fountain pen like the Pelikan Souverän is basically well suited for studying, since fountain pens deliver a more legible writing image than ballpoints or rollerballs. The exact writing duration varies; a viewing window as some models offer makes monitoring the ink level considerably easier. For longer examinations, it is generally recommended to carry a second writing instrument as an emergency reserve.

### Which scent characterises the Montblanc Seasons Greetings ink 2007 and how can the aroma be classified?

The red Seasons Greetings ink 2007 contains, according to the American refill page of Montblanc, a vanilla note. Collectors describe the scent as floral-warm with a recognisable cinnamon note and thus overall Christmassy, but significantly less aggressively cinnamon-heavy than the previous year's ink. The perception of the individual components is subjective and varies between floral, vanilla and cinnamon-like impressions.

### How does one filter an old Pelikan iron-gall ink from the 1950s of small clumps without impairing the writing flow of an M800?

Suitable for filtering are common coffee filters or blotting paper, which reliably retain the solid clumps. A light powder sediment of pigments may well remain desirable after filtering. In general, manufacturers advise against mixing different inks, since chemical reactions can occur; with old iron-gall inks, the deposits are typical components that have thickened over time and are usually not mould. With filtered old IG ink, good writing results can still be achieved on suitable paper.

### What are the causes when a Parker Sonnet smears at the front gold ring and the cartridge loses leaking ink during non-use?

A blanket remote diagnosis is not possible without inspection; a visit to a renowned specialist shop is recommended. Generally, every cartridge and piston filling condenses during longer storage, which can lead to ink emerging at the grip section, without there being a defect. Truly remaining residual ink quantities can often only be determined when rinsing. Specialised help on Parker is additionally offered by the Penexchange forum with its own Parker section.

### How can ink from small ink bottles like the Montblanc Collodi or Ink of Joy be drawn as completely as possible into a large fountain pen like the 149?

Practicable options are: pour residues into another bottle of the same ink, transfer them to a smaller container, or tilt the ink bottle strongly when filling so that the ink can be taken up directly at the back of the nib instead of at the feed. With this, the loss of residual ink can be significantly reduced without special tools being necessary.

### How is the ink line of Scribal Work Shop, e.g. the variant Nessie, to be classified?

Scribal Work Shop is an American ink manufactory of the chemist Lucas Tucker, which has specialised in historical writing inks and places particular emphasis on non-toxic ingredients; even a child-friendly ink line exists. In the forum thread, no further technical details are exchanged about the ink itself. Generally, regarding scented inks, it is noted that the scent can concentrate strongly in the cap and is intensively released when opened, which is why some collectors prefer scent-free inks.

### Does fountain-pen ink have a use-by date, and can decades-old ink from eBay offers still be used?

Ink has no categorical use-by limit; in collector circles, Pelikan and Montblanc inks from the 1950s and 1960s are also successfully used in writing instruments without problems occurring. Older blue inks are partly even appreciated colour-wise. Nevertheless, caution is in order, and one should not fill old ink into particularly valuable fountain pens, since drying-out and contamination risks exist. Earlier forum posts on this subject contain further experiences.

### What advantages do inks of other manufacturers (Private Reserve, Noodler, Pelikan, Waterman, Lamy) offer over Montblanc ink for Montblanc fountain pens?

The main motive for third-party inks is the significantly larger colour palette, e.g. Private Reserve "Sherwood Green" or special black tones from Noodler. Waterman inks are subjectively regarded as particularly free-flowing, Lamy royal blue as a problem-free, somewhat darker standard blue. Private Reserve inks have the disadvantage of longer drying times and can smear. Pelikan ink is a classic standard, but taste preferences vary widely. Technically these inks can be filled into Montblanc fountain pens without problems.

### What contents does the new ink-writing-sample booklet IV offer, and what information does it provide on lightfastness and water resistance?

The booklet contains 81 writing samples on 14 DIN A5 cards, all written with the same nib, with a total ink value of over 450 EUR; the price is 25 EUR or 30 USD including worldwide shipping. Booklets 1-3 are still available. On water resistance there is an extra page with permanent inks for self-testing; general notes on lightfastness and water resistance are provided by the competing product by Greg Clark. Notable points on flow behaviour are documented in the ink reports on the related website (in English).

### Can a 40-year-old, visually impeccable Geha ink (royal blue) still be used without hesitation in modern fountain pens?

Collectors report that old ink is unproblematic as long as it does not mould, no skin forms and no clouding or streaking occurs; even inks from the 1950s have been successfully tested and still used. Printed expiry dates serve mainly the trade's sales interest but are factually mostly not necessary. If the ink writes fluidly and remains inconspicuous, it can continue to be used. It does not hurt, however, to occasionally try out new inks too, in order to support local trade and have variety.

### How are the properties and the market value of the Montblanc edition ink "Carlo Collodi" to be classified?

Collectors report that the ink is delivered in a 35 ml round bottle and was originally developed for the Writers Edition pen "Carlo Collodi"; in the boutique it cost about €15, on the current market about €40, which converted to 100 ml corresponds to between €42 and €114 and ranks it among the expensive inks. Colour-wise it is a warm, distinctly orange-tinted brown tone reminiscent of wood (allusion to Pinocchio); on yellowish paper (e.g. Moleskine) it appears particularly appealing and shows a beautiful shading even with an M nib. The flow properties are described as very good, without problems in various fountain pens.

### Which ink cartridges are compatible with which fountain pens (e.g. Faber-Castell platinum-plated), and where does one find a corresponding overview?

A compatibility list for cartridges and converters can be found at giese-online.de (linked via penexchange.de, section "Die Tinte und der Tintenfluss"); additionally, in the Penexchange forum there is a corresponding discussion. A platinum-plated Faber-Castell additionally has a piston converter, so that instead of cartridges, ink from the bottle can be used, which allows significantly more colour choice. Occasionally there are reports that ink from the converter does not flow optimally because of the material; nevertheless, a test is worthwhile, since the cartridge range restricts in the long run.

### What colour and properties does the Montblanc Christmas ink White Forest have?

The Christmas ink White Forest is a vivid dark green, which also corresponds to the official statement in the Montblanc Refill Shop. On paper it leaves after drying a very appealing impression, which makes it well suited for seasonal correspondence like Christmas cards. In smell it is reminiscent of pine-needle aroma.

### Where can one find the Atramentis or Jansen ink colour chart in the forum?

The ink colour chart is filed in the section "Tinte" and reachable via the left menu under "Artikel" → "Tinte" → "Jansen Tintenpalette". Direct link: http://community.fountainpen.de/content/view/184/96/

### Is it worth reading the ink discussions in the Penexchange forum, and what sources for inks emerge from this?

The Penexchange forum offers substantial contributions on inks and is recommendable as a supplement. Through the forum, collectors come into contact with further sources like missing-pen, which especially supplies collectors with writing instruments across brands.

### Where can one obtain Jansen inks in Düsseldorf or order them cost-effectively via group order?

A point of contact in Düsseldorf is Carsch-Haus, which generally carries a larger selection of Jansen inks; the delivery time can however be around four weeks. Other shops like Henning offer partly only larger containers, no individual bottles. Because the shipping costs of about 7 euros per order are high in relation to the ink price, a group order with other collectors from the region is the most sensible procedure, in order to come over the postage threshold (e.g. 40 euros goods value).

### Which royal-blue ink writes particularly contrast-rich without one having to let it dry on for evaporation?

The higher contrast after brief drying arises through the evaporation of water, so that the colour particles remain more concentrated. Ink-killer-compatible royal-blue inks are based, however, on a dye that is converted by the ink killer into a state invisible to the eye (ink death), which is why here limits to the achievable saturation exist. A school-suitable royal-blue ink with simultaneously high contrast is therefore chemically limited. Forum members refer to the interplay between killability and colour intensity as the cause.

### How long is ink shelf-stable, and can special-edition inks be stored long-term in stock?

Ink is normally practically indefinitely shelf-stable; even inks from the 1940s are often still unproblematically usable. The prerequisite is proper storage, ideally dark and closed. With open storage in sunlight, ink can mould and form clumps, which makes it unusable. Collectors can therefore stockpile inks from special editions long-term without problem.

### Where can one obtain the Montblanc inks Ink of Friendship, Joy and Love as well as the Mahatma Gandhi ink at the regular price, without overpriced eBay offers?

At the specialist retailer these inks are partly still available at the regular unit price of around 11 to 12 euros, e.g. at local Montblanc dealers or at KaDeWe in Berlin (5th floor, writing instruments), where most recently a new delivery of the Mahatma Gandhi ink had arrived at a retail price of 12 euros. The fantasy prices called up on eBay are therefore not justified; anyone without a specialist retailer nearby should preferably enquire directly at specialist trade.

### Which manufacturers offer aesthetically appealing, collection-worthy ink bottles?

Particularly worth collecting are older ink bottles from Montblanc or Parker from the 1930s. In the current market offer, especially Montblanc bottles including the Season's Greetings and the rose-ink editions, Diamine (classic, e.g. available via missing-pens.de from Rolf Thiel) as well as Caran d'Ache (very beautiful, although with little ink content) are mentioned. Complementarily, Caran d'Ache, OMAS, de Atramentis (with scents) and Visconti are positively highlighted. Differences in taste are pronounced here; one's own selection by visual preferences is usual.

### Can one use the Montblanc Jules Verne ink without hesitation in a Jules Verne fountain pen?

Experiences with the Leonardo da Vinci ink (Terra di Sienna) from the same novelties series are consistently positive, so the Jules Verne ink can also be assumed to be unproblematic. Substantial reports specifically on the Jules Verne variant were not mentioned in the thread.

### Which scented inks from De Atramentis are particularly recommendable?

Particularly praised are the wine inks, whose properties were recently improved, so that they no longer dry out so quickly; the Dornfelder variant is frequently highlighted. Chocolate and grass or golf ink are also positively mentioned, while steam-locomotive and kerosene ink are regarded as acquired tastes and rather to be recommended to lovers of these scents. The herb ink is also not mass-market-friendly. In colour intensity there are clear differences to branded inks: the black Jansen ink appears, for example, lighter than the black counterpart by Montblanc and rather reminiscent of their English green.

### Does the black ink from Montblanc contain iron-gall, similarly to the black-blue?

No, the black Montblanc ink by general knowledge does not contain iron-gall and is regarded as unproblematic in daily use. Iron-gall shares are found at Montblanc only in the black-blue variant.

### Does ink corrosion occur only with iron-gall inks or also with modern inks like Dr. Jansen ink when used for a book?

Ink corrosion is, by general experience, a phenomenon almost exclusively associated with iron-gall inks. Problems with old documents often additionally hang together with too acidically produced papers of the 1920s and 1930s, which decompose themselves over time. For inks without iron-gall, e.g. the Jansen inks, such corrosion phenomena are therefore not to be expected.

### Where does the stable skin that forms on some ink bottles during longer storage come from, and how does one deal with it?

The firm skin is a clear sign of microorganism infestation, since opened ink bottles at room temperature offer ideal growth conditions for moulds. That also explains why inks without preservatives (e.g. by Visconti, Schreibmayr or OMAS) are affected, while so-called chemical inks like Waterman do not show this. Such infested ink should be disposed of, since skin remnants can clog the feed. Preservatives in mass-market inks thus have a real practical justification.

### Does the current Montblanc Midnight Blue have a violet cast compared to the earlier Blauschwarz, and is it known why Montblanc changed the ink supplier?

Midnight Blue is generally regarded as the legitimate successor of Blauschwarz, but shows, according to the perception of several users, a slight violet cast that diminishes somewhat after brief drying. Ink flow and writing behaviour are thereby regarded as at least equivalent, rather even as better. Regarding the supplier change, no official information is available in the forum; what is known is only that Montblanc at some point changed the OEM manufacturer of the ink. Montblanc has not communicated the background outwardly, so only conjectures circulate.

### How does one best store ink, and can it fade with direct sunlight?

Ink should above all be tightly closed, cool and without large temperature fluctuations stored, so that no solvent evaporates. Direct sunlight or UV light is to be avoided, since it can promote mould formation and bleach colour particles. Since ink consists predominantly of water and organic components, it is also not indefinitely shelf-stable and should not be stored for years.

### Are Private Reserve ink cartridges in Pelikan format also offered individually or as a sorted sampler pack, so that one can test colours without buying a whole bottle?

Yes, Private Reserve cartridges are also marketed as a sampler set: individually at around 0.45 euros per cartridge or as a set of twelve freely selectable colours for about 4.95 euros plus shipping. Thus a colour tone can be tried out without immediately committing to a whole standard pack or a bottle. The idea is positively received by ink lovers and evaluated as a sensible complement to the existing offer.

### Are the colourful inks by Dr. Jansen, e.g. the colour tone Terra di Siena, unproblematic for older Montblanc fountain pens like the 342G?

The fountain-pen inks by Dr. Franz-Josef Jansen, including Terra di Siena, can without problem be used in older Montblanc models too; significant complaints are over many years not known. With longer non-use, the ink tank should, as with any fountain pen, be emptied and the device thoroughly rinsed so that no ink can dry up. These notes apply regardless of age or manufacturer of the fountain pen and are general care basics.

### Where in Munich can exclusive inks of the brands De Atramentis or J. Herbin be obtained, and how reliable is the scent of scented inks in the fountain pen?

In the greater Munich area, Schreibmayr in the Fünf Höfe offers competent advice and a corresponding range of exclusive inks. With scented inks it is to be noted that the scent in the fountain pen remains over very long periods; after longer contact with the ink, it accordingly takes long until the smell disappears again after rinsing. This property concerns scented inks of various manufacturers, including the Montblanc scented inks.

### Does Montblanc Irish Green prove itself in a current 146 with M nib, and are failures with this ink generally to be expected?

Montblanc Irish Green generally does not cause failures in current 146s and writes reliably. Failures with other inks – e.g. Jansen Terra di Siena – do not occur systematically and are rather attributable to the individual interplay of ink, feed and nib flow behaviour. Anyone switching to colourful inks can therefore use Irish Green as an uncritical alternative in the 146.

### Is the Encre Invisible by J. Herbin suitable as a secret ink for a Montblanc fountain pen?

The ink is, according to manufacturer information, not suitable for fountain pens but for dip nibs, glass or quill nibs, calami and brushes. Practical writing tests in the fountain pen led after brief application to unsatisfactory results, so use in the fountain pen is to be advised against.

### What are the experiences with the Montblanc ink "Je t'aime Love letters Ink" and with scented inks or scented postage stamps in general?

The rose-scented ink "Je t'aime Love letters Ink" is, even after thorough cleaning with water, often still long perceptible in the fountain pen, which many users find disturbing. Overall, the enthusiasm for scented inks has cooled in the hobby circle, since the smell stubbornly remains in the writing instrument. As an alternative, the wine inks by Jansen are mentioned, whose scent is more discreet, is only slightly perceived during writing and does not permanently perfume the fountain pen. A combination with scented postage stamps is seen critically and counts rather as a burden for the addressee and postal delivery.