De Atramentis — Document Black — Ink Review #272
De Atramentis — Document Black
Ink Review # 272
Description
I got a pack of international short cartridges of this ink to compare with the many black inks I’ve already reviewed. While the swatch cards show an intense black, with a dry pen like the Lamy Safari, it is more like a charcoal color.
The ink is viscous and reminds me of Noodler’s Polar Black in behavior. Dry times are above average on Rhodia.
Its saving grace is that it’s excellent on copy paper and it is waterproof.
Lubrication depends on the nib size. It was excellent with the Osmiroid Copperplate EEF nib. However, with the Safari EF and F nibs, it was slightly scratchy.
The pen needs a nice soaking in an ammonia-based cleaner if ink is forgotten in the pen for a week or two. I needed to do that with the Lamy Safari.
Chroma
Writing Samples
photos LED only
Translations from other languages are provided for reference only and may differ from published versions.
Rhodia
“Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings.” — Heinrich Heine (1797–1856), poet, Almansor.
Close-up
Iroful
“There are two powers that make for peace: what is right, and what is fitting.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), writer.
Close-up
Midori
“Live with your century; but do not be its creature.” — Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805), playwright.
Close-up
Tomoe River 68 gsm
Note: Tomoe River used here is 68 gsm, not the thinner 52 gsm version commonly referenced in reviews.
“There is nothing good unless you do it.” — Erich Kästner (1899–1974), writer.
Close-up
Hammermill 20 lb
“Try to become not a man of success, but rather a man of value.” — Albert Einstein (1879–1955), physicist.
Close-up
Comparison
Col-O-ring swatches. Scans are approximate.
Water Test
Artwork
Unbridled
Inktober52, 2026, Prompt 37: Dance
Inspired by a still photograph of Josephine Baker.
Mouse faints, overcome by his own stuffiness.
De Atramentis Document Black, white gel pen, Talens Mixed Media Sketchbook.
Inktober 2026 — Day 16: Gangly
She thought she was the only one, until a gangly Mouse came along with a rose.
Ostrich Evening Mist, Ostrich Water Blue, De Atramentis Document Black, Octopus Document Brown, Jacques Herbin Bistro, Talens Mixed Media Sketchbook.
Lounge
Inktober 2026 — Day 20: Lounge
Mouse got mixed up about where the Black Panther Lounge was.
De Atramentis Document Black, Ostrich Water Blue, Jacques Herbin Passage des Panoramas, Zerkon No. 76 — Ground to Dust, white gel pen, Talens Mixed Media Sketchbook.
Closing
This is a decent document black. I didn’t like the long dry times. If you like it, buy some cartridges or a sample. Personally, I’ll stick with Platinum Carbon Black or one of Tintenlabor black IG inks.
No fountain pens were harmed in preparing this review. ;)
Feel free to share your experience, feedback, or any other comments. The more the merrier. 😊
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