Noodler's — Polar Black — Ink Review #72

 Noodler's — Polar Black

 

Ink Review # 72

 

Originally posted on FPN: Jul 31, 2023

 

Ink: Polar Black
Series: Polar
Brand: Noodler's
Country: USA
Availability: 3 oz (90 ml)
Pens Used: Pilot Kakuno EF, Lamy Safari (EF, F, M, B), Osmiroid Copperplate nib, Jinhao fude.

 

Overview

Polar inks were originally conceived so that they could be used in freezing temperatures. However, they had a lot of flow issues and were reformulated so that the inks turn into slush rather than freeze solid outdoors. 

I have had pens permanently filled with Polar Brown and Polar Green for several years. They stain transparent feeds but can be easily cleaned with pen flush. I’ve also reviewed Polar Purple. These inks dry very fast and are waterproof. 

Description

I thought if Polar Black behaved like the rest of the gang, I’d have a winner, as this ink is black as tar and one-third cheaper than the ultra-black Platinum Chou Kuro. But alas, it isn’t. It tends to smudge and doesn’t dry well, especially on Japanese paper. 

It’s not suitable for linework in art. As you can see in the close-up of an artwork I did, even after 24 hours, the ink smudged the moment a wet brush touched the line. That’s unacceptable.

I’d go for Platinum Carbon Black or Noodler’s Lexington Gray.

Chroma

Writing Samples

Paradoxically, the EF line looks wider than the fine.

I tried finding Inuit quotes, as it's a Polar ink. 

Rhodia

Midori

Tomoe River 68 gsm

Note: Tomoe River used here is 68 gsm, not the thinner 52 gsm version commonly referenced in reviews.

Hammermill 20 lb

It’s ironic how dry times are even long on this absorbent paper.

Photo

Maruman Mnemosyne - Osmiroid Copperplate (the red ink, is Noodler's Fox Red)

Comparison

Water Test

Excess ink washes off.

Artwork

As usual, a little artwork (mixed media: watercolour and ink). I hope it brings a smile to your face.

The cat is in Polar Black, his tie and the rose are in Noodler's Fox Red, the green is Noodler's Polar Green, and the blue butterfly is Noodler's Canyon Blue.

The lady’s shirt is FWP Stored Blue. The background is watercolour, as are the black tracings on her dress.

Ink Characteristics

·      What I liked: Nice viscous black. Very black. Very agreeable with EF nibs.
·      What I did not like: Smudging, long daytimes .
·      What some might not like: It ghosts on cheap paper. It’s a Polar ink, it might stain and didn’t I say already: long dry times.
·      Shading: Why do you want a black ink to shade?
·      Ghosting: Yes, on cheap paper.
·      Bleed through: Yes, on cheap paper if you use wide nibs.
·      Flow Rate: Wettish.
·      Lubrication: Excellent.
·      Nib Dry-out: None. It didn't like the Kakuno nor the Jinhao. But it loved the Lamy Safari.
·      Start-up: None. This ink works well in well-sealed pens.
·      Saturation: Very Saturated
·      Shading Potential: None.
·      Sheen: None.
·      Spread / Feathering / Woolly Line: No.
·      Nib Creep / “Crud”: No.
·      Staining (pen): No.
·      Clogging: No.
·      Cleaning: Surprisingly easy.
·      Water resistance: The excess ink will wash away. 

 

Feel free to share your experience, feedback, or any other comments. The more the merrier. 😊