De Atramentis — Document Red Grey — Ink Review #84

De Atramentis — Document Red Grey

 

Ink Review # 84

 

Originally posted on FPN: Sep 20, 2023

 

Ink: Red Grey
Series: Document
Brand: De Atramentis
Country: Germany
Type: Pigment ink
Availability: 45 ml bottles.
Pens Used: Pilot Kakuno EF, Lamy Safari (EF/F/M/B/stub 1.1), Osmiroid Copperplate nib

Description

I really enjoyed using this ink. It’s an improved version of Noodler’s Red-Black with the added benefit of being fully waterproof. It’s a wet and well-lubricated ink. 

However, when I reached the cleaning part, it was not as straightforward as I thought. The ink stained my Lamy converter, and after soaking it for a few hours in water to no avail, I had to dunk it in my trusty Monteverde cleaning solution; problem solved.

Ironically, it didn't stain the Pilot CON-40 nor the cheap no-name Chinese convertor.

This is not a deal-breaker for me if I really like the ink.

It also doesn't like copy paper.

Note on pigment inks: Pigmented fountain pen inks are best used in well-sealed pens that are easy to dismantle. Regular cleaning is advisable, and pen flush may be needed if water alone is not enough.

Chroma

Writing Samples

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 doesn't like thin copy paper.

Photo

Tomoe River 68 gsm

Comparison

Water-test: (Nothing budges)


Water Test

Artwork

Solar System

Cat and Mouse reenact myths to the surprise of the Enterprise crew. 

De Atramentis Urban Grey, De Atramentis Red Grey, Kuretake brush pen (black)

Water colour (blue), Silver marker.

Ink Characteristics

·      What I liked: Well lubricated, intriguing colour.
·      What disappointed me: Staining of Lamy convertor (a first for me), and cleaning.
·      What some might not like: High maintenance cleaning, staining converter, doesn't like cheap thin paper.
·      Shading: Yes
·      Ghosting: No.
·      Bleed through: Yes. 
·      Flow Rate: Wet
·      Lubrication: Excellent - Cushiony
·      Nib Dry-out: No.
·      Start-up: No.
·      Saturation: No.
·      Shading Potential: Yes
·      Sheen: No.
·      Spread / Feathering / Woolly Line: No.
·      Nib Creep / “Crud”: Didn’t notice.
·      Staining (pen): Yes, Lamy convertor!
·      Clogging: No.
·      Cleaning: The red dye is tenacious.
·      Water resistance: Excellent.

 

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

 

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