This is an absolutely thorough review of the Ph. Martin's line of black inks. The reviewer did a wonderful job in demonstrating how the three inks behave under just about any circumstance outside of washes, and it was immensely helpful that the reviewer used all three inks (and two non-Martin's brand inks) on a single piece of paper so that the viewer could see a clear comparison of the attributes of the three inks This is a fantastic review of these products. 10/10.
My goodness, you are so thorough in covering concerns. Well done! I fill my Holbein water brush with Black Star and it is absolutely stunning. Thank you, Teoh! Great review.
I had been looking for this kind of review for so long. Didn't know which one to buy since there are so many black inks out there.Thank you for making my task easier.
a fantastic review even six years later, thanks so much for your observations! now im curious, one of the issues i sometimes have is ink getting shiny when scanned into digital, i wonder how the "matte" ink compares in that circumstance 🤔 i will have to investigate lol
I've been using the Black Star ink to refill my Pentel Pocket Brush. It works great! It dries with a little more tooth than the ink in the cartridges. Much better if you like to overlay color pencil over the ink to add highlights.
Minty Candy Arts Yes, just tested to see and it was pretty bad. I also tested the Ph Martin's Bombay ink and that bled just a tiny bit if I scrubbed too much with the marker. They're both great for water based markers and water color, but not alcohol.
@GummyTumor Hello. I know I'm a bit late in this conversation, but I am deciding whether to buy for my Pentel Pocket Brush the Rotring ink or the Black Star Hi-carb. Did you have any issues with drying of the Black Star Hi-carb ink in the bristles of the brush after longer time of not using it? Is it good if I use the brush pen only like once a month or so?
Wish I'd seen this before I got Yasutomo Sumi Ink which was listed as waterprood but is not. Fortunately I saw it before I ordered the Kuretake 60 which was my second choice. Would have had the same problem twice!
Hi Teoh, Thanks for all your great videos, especially the art material reviews! I really enjoy trying new art products! Now I have someone who can explain the best ones to buy and the pros and cons of each item! This means must less wasted money on art supplies that don't perform at a high level! Thanks again Teoh!
Teoh, excellent review! Which would you suggest is the least reflective (light and photography): Dr Martin's matte or hicarb? Thanks again for an excellent review! Bravo!
I cannot find a comparison for Dr Martin's 3available white inks. Only calligraphy tutorials for the Bleed proof white. I want to KNOW which one works with glass dip pens.
+Jennifer K That particular version of Platinum Carbon is made for fountain pens, this is not. These bottles have droppers so they can be useful for extracting the ink out to mix to create gray ink washes.
Thanks for the great video and I had watched your other videos and I know that you do have a Kuretake no. 50 brush pen. What I will like to know is that can I use the Dr Martin high carbon ink on the Kuretake No. 40 sable hair brush? Will it clog the brush? Thank you.
+pui kay Wong I don't think it is safe to use the high carbon ink in the Kuretake. But there are people who said it works fine. As long as you clean it out when not using for extended period, I guess it should be fine.
You went on the "Kuretake Black ink 60" with the wet brush for a few extra strokes. But didn't to the same on the other inks. So I have a feeling the others might not super water proof either. :) Any comment on that?
I have been following your discussions on ink with great interest. I am using a fountain pen to draw with and want to add watercolor to finish the sketches as you have illustrated. I am using Heart of Darkness ink but can not find a watercolor paper that works with the ink. The ink is not waterproof on all of the watercolor papers that I have tried ! After some research, I find that the ink is waterproof on plain copy paper; but that paper is too thin and wrinkles up when watercolor is applied. Would you please let me know the correct combination of fountain pen ink and drawing paper so the dark ink lines do not run and the paper holds it's shape and doesn't wrinkle after the watercolor is applied? Thanks William May
Yes, so it's important to wash the brush after each use. When the ink dries on the brush, it will make the hair too hard for use, and it will be difficult to remove the dried ink after that. If you wash after each use, then it's not going to be a problem.
My idea of Chinese ink is more like Sumi ink, ink grounded from ink sticks. The look is quite similar to this. www.parkablogs.com/content/review-winsor-newton-liquid-indian-ink Of course, it depends on the type of ink and maker.
Thanks a lot! Great review on your block. I see. I have had Chinese Calligraphy lessons so I still have a lot of leftover lettering ink, paper, etc. I used to draw fishes with that. So, I am definitely wondering whether there is a need to buy another black writing ink. =)
got a hicarb one, it dries on almost everywhere when exposed to air, including g nib and doesn't come off easily (need to use alcohol to wipe). is bombay or matte one behaves the same?
I have the Bombay black india ink but it says on the label "flows smoothly without tip drying" so why does the ink dry on my G-nib? This happen after a few dip in ink and it clog the well so I couldn't get enough ink to flow through the nib smoothly. It was also hard to wash off. I had to use rubbing alcohol. I'm also afraid to try my brush with this ink out of fear it might ruin it. Does anybody have this problem?
+salamander337 The pigmented ink is going to dry hard. When used with brush, always clean properly after use to wash off all the ink, if not the brush will dry hard and be damaged.
Thanks for the reply. I'll do that. But I don't know why this ink dry so much on my G-nib tho. I guess I'm going to have to wipe the ink off every time the ink runs out before dipping it back in the ink bottle.
Hi Teoh, Ive been wondering if I can use masking fluid (slightly diluted) in fountain pens. Even if they clog up I am willing to spend time on cleaning them. Plus the fountain pens I have are rlly cheap. Thanks :)
Teoh Yi Chie Oh god I tried it and it failed. Tried to fill it again with ink it wont write. Had to suck in water and push it out like 15 times. I learnt my lesson Never try new things xD jk
I have speedball super black ink, I really like it but after months of use and being almost empty, it's too thick and gets difficult to flow or even clean the nib. Is dr ph martins hi carb ink a good substitute for this? I really need a waterproof ink, since I paint over with watercolour. Please give your opinion on this Teoh- just a dip pen friendly, easy to clean, good flow, waterproof, deep deep black ink ? Is it too much to ask..;)
Maybe try adding some water into the thick ink and mix around. If you use dip pen, it's good to have a bottle with large opening. The other ink I can think of is Sailor KiwaGuro which is also waterproof and has a bottle with large opening.
I have tested the waterfastness of Dr Martin's vs Speedball, and had much more luck with Doc Martin's. It dries faster (you should let any ink dry for hours before trying to wash over it) and will not bleed, even on unforgiving surfaces like clayboard. (Speedball ink would bleed on Clayboard even after 24 hours, although it would hold up ok on paper by then)
fritzthefox Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am planning to try doc Martins sometime soon. Compared to speedball would you say doc Martins hi carb gets thick sooner?
I'm not sure if there's a relationship. It's got to do with what the ink was made. Some inks will be matte no matter the concentration. You can see this chart of inks I've tried. www.parkablogs.com/picture/comparison-of-different-black-inks
Teoh Yi Chie Wow, you have a very organised mind (link). I noticed when you were angling the page into the light that the matte ink samples were the least opaque when looked at directly. On second thought, the matte appearance may be a property of the paper, not the ink.
John Matthias Hicarb is the most opaque. I noticed the first wash of Bombay Black was actually matte even when reflected against light, but the subsequent layers are not as matte. So it could be that the ink needs to be applied in thin layers.
My question is this on compressed pulp paper that’s been dyed by fabric dye stick to it and be waterproof and if dye that same paper with India ink stop the bleeding of the fabric dye and make the paper waterproof with the India ink on it?
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 87 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "ก้องชัย vs โชคปรีชา"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YN6e7HVnekw/mqdefault.jpg)
This is an absolutely thorough review of the Ph. Martin's line of black inks. The reviewer did a wonderful job in demonstrating how the three inks behave under just about any circumstance outside of washes, and it was immensely helpful that the reviewer used all three inks (and two non-Martin's brand inks) on a single piece of paper so that the viewer could see a clear comparison of the attributes of the three inks
This is a fantastic review of these products. 10/10.
Thanks :-)
My goodness, you are so thorough in covering concerns. Well done! I fill my Holbein water brush with Black Star and it is absolutely stunning. Thank you, Teoh! Great review.
Thanks ~(˘▾˘~)
The most thorough review on the internet-PERIOD! THANK YOU!1
You got all videos than an artist need.
Thanks 😁
I had been looking for this kind of review for so long. Didn't know which one to buy since there are so many black inks out there.Thank you for making my task easier.
a fantastic review even six years later, thanks so much for your observations! now im curious, one of the issues i sometimes have is ink getting shiny when scanned into digital, i wonder how the "matte" ink compares in that circumstance 🤔 i will have to investigate lol
I've been using the Black Star ink to refill my Pentel Pocket Brush. It works great! It dries with a little more tooth than the ink in the cartridges. Much better if you like to overlay color pencil over the ink to add highlights.
+GummyTumor Cool. I might try this for my Pentel brush pen too.
GummyTumor Does it bleed with alcohol markers? ☺️
Minty Candy Arts Yes, just tested to see and it was pretty bad. I also tested the Ph Martin's Bombay ink and that bled just a tiny bit if I scrubbed too much with the marker. They're both great for water based markers and water color, but not alcohol.
GummyTumor thank you so much! It's a shame I only use watercolours and alcohol markers...
@GummyTumor Hello. I know I'm a bit late in this conversation, but I am deciding whether to buy for my Pentel Pocket Brush the Rotring ink or the Black Star Hi-carb. Did you have any issues with drying of the Black Star Hi-carb ink in the bristles of the brush after longer time of not using it? Is it good if I use the brush pen only like once a month or so?
A real art material researcher here. Very informative love the content!
Thanks anyhow Teoh! I often give my art away too, but sell my painting as well... happy drawing and painting!
Should do one for Higgins Black India and Black Magic!
I just really loved this review. Mostly it confirms what I believed, but it's great to know. Thank you!
Wish I'd seen this before I got Yasutomo Sumi Ink which was listed as waterprood but is not. Fortunately I saw it before I ordered the Kuretake 60 which was my second choice. Would have had the same problem twice!
The Yasutomo Sumi ink is really nice though, but not for every application, for sure.
Hi Teoh, Thanks for all your great videos, especially the art material reviews! I really enjoy trying new art products! Now I have someone who can explain the best ones to buy and the pros and cons of each item! This means must less wasted money on art supplies that don't perform at a high level! Thanks again Teoh!
Thanks \ (•◡•) /
dem birb sounds in the background so soothing :)
What an excellent and in-depth review!
+inkshift Thanks 😁
I'm a watercolor artist , but always wanted to try using inks .. thanks for the review.
Honestly, I don't know how you have time to do all you do ...
Excellent review and just what I required!
Wow! Great review. Thanks so much!!
Great test. Thanks for all the information 👍
Teoh, excellent review! Which would you suggest is the least reflective (light and photography): Dr Martin's matte or hicarb? Thanks again for an excellent review! Bravo!
Great comparison. Thank You!
Excellent - thank you.
Very thorough, thank you
they sell a pen cleaner on their web site
the bombay india ink seems like it would clog in a pilot parallel, and it drys extremely fast on dip pens.
Don’t use India inks inside any pen
I cannot find a comparison for Dr Martin's 3available white inks.
Only calligraphy tutorials for the Bleed proof white.
I want to KNOW which one works with glass dip pens.
Excellent video! Do you have one that covers acrylic inks or alcohol proof inks?
Thank you! Very helpful.
Very helpful! Thank you so much!
Why would you use this instead of something like Platinum Carbon?
+Jennifer K That particular version of Platinum Carbon is made for fountain pens, this is not. These bottles have droppers so they can be useful for extracting the ink out to mix to create gray ink washes.
Ah okay, thanks. Guess india ink is a cheaper option if I don't need to put it in my fountain pen!
Thanks for the great video and I had watched your other videos and I know that you do have a Kuretake no. 50 brush pen. What I will like to know is that can I use the Dr Martin high carbon ink on the Kuretake No. 40 sable hair brush? Will it clog the brush? Thank you.
+pui kay Wong I don't think it is safe to use the high carbon ink in the Kuretake. But there are people who said it works fine. As long as you clean it out when not using for extended period, I guess it should be fine.
Thanks for the review ..does it work well on canvas surface too?
It should work.
Thank you@@teohyc
You went on the "Kuretake Black ink 60" with the wet brush for a few extra strokes. But didn't to the same on the other inks. So I have a feeling the others might not super water proof either. :) Any comment on that?
Dr Ph Martin black india inks are all waterproof.
Okay, thank you.
Very helpful! Thanks ! 🙏Love from France, Marjorie
+margessw Thanks 😁
ty for sharing!
I have been following your discussions on ink with great interest. I am using a fountain pen to draw with and want to add watercolor to finish the sketches as you have illustrated. I am using Heart of Darkness ink but can not find a watercolor paper that works with the ink. The ink is not waterproof on all of the watercolor papers that I have tried !
After some research, I find that the ink is waterproof on plain copy paper; but that paper is too thin and wrinkles up when watercolor is applied.
Would you please let me know the correct combination of fountain pen ink and drawing paper so the dark ink lines do not run and the paper holds it's shape and doesn't wrinkle after the watercolor is applied?
Thanks
William May
Completely waterproof and lightfast, in any fountain or dip pen, on any paper: Platinum Carbon Ink.
This inks brush pen for accessible?
Don't use these in brush pens. Heavily pigmented inks will clog. For use in brush pens, I recommend Rotring Ink.
Your welcome Teoh, hey you have any of your urban paintings for sale?
Hi, I don't sell my art.
Can i use black Star matte with fountain pen?
Not sure about that. For waterproof inks, I recommend Sailor KiwaGuro or De Atramentis Archive which are both made specially for fountain pens.
Will ink damage watercolor brushes?
Yes, so it's important to wash the brush after each use. When the ink dries on the brush, it will make the hair too hard for use, and it will be difficult to remove the dried ink after that. If you wash after each use, then it's not going to be a problem.
I will appreciate if you compare these to traditional Chinese calligraphy Mo. By rights, India Ink really just mean Chinese Ink.
My idea of Chinese ink is more like Sumi ink, ink grounded from ink sticks. The look is quite similar to this. www.parkablogs.com/content/review-winsor-newton-liquid-indian-ink
Of course, it depends on the type of ink and maker.
Thanks a lot! Great review on your block. I see. I have had Chinese Calligraphy lessons so I still have a lot of leftover lettering ink, paper, etc. I used to draw fishes with that. So, I am definitely wondering whether there is a need to buy another black writing ink. =)
got a hicarb one, it dries on almost everywhere when exposed to air, including g nib and doesn't come off easily (need to use alcohol to wipe). is bombay or matte one behaves the same?
babixillo Yes, use an ammonia based cleaner to dissolve it. Windex works well.
I have the Bombay black india ink but it says on the label "flows smoothly without tip drying" so why does the ink dry on my G-nib? This happen after a few dip in ink and it clog the well so I couldn't get enough ink to flow through the nib smoothly. It was also hard to wash off. I had to use rubbing alcohol. I'm also afraid to try my brush with this ink out of fear it might ruin it. Does anybody have this problem?
+salamander337 The pigmented ink is going to dry hard. When used with brush, always clean properly after use to wash off all the ink, if not the brush will dry hard and be damaged.
Thanks for the reply. I'll do that. But I don't know why this ink dry so much on my G-nib tho. I guess I'm going to have to wipe the ink off every time the ink runs out before dipping it back in the ink bottle.
which one would you recommend for a brush pen?
+Nadir Hassan I've not tried these in brush pens before so I can't say.
Only the first one is lightfast?
They are all lightfast.
Do you think the Hi carbon would work to refill the pentel pocket brush pen?
I'm not sure. I read some comments that it works in the Pentel Brush Pens.
Hi Teoh, Ive been wondering if I can use masking fluid (slightly diluted) in fountain pens. Even if they clog up I am willing to spend time on cleaning them. Plus the fountain pens I have are rlly cheap. Thanks :)
Masking fluid? Do not use that in a pen! That's like glue drying. You won't be able to wash it out after it has solidified.
Teoh Yi Chie Oh god I tried it and it failed. Tried to fill it again with ink it wont write. Had to suck in water and push it out like 15 times. I learnt my lesson
Never try new things xD jk
Samermc9 kkkkkkk
Matte can be used for Pentel brushe pen??
Not sure if I would use this ink in a brush pen. I read some people do
What ink you recommend
What about SPEEDBALL?
Speedball is good but don't use it inside a pen
@@teohyc can we use speedball to refill micron?
I have speedball super black ink, I really like it but after months of use and being almost empty, it's too thick and gets difficult to flow or even clean the nib. Is dr ph martins hi carb ink a good substitute for this? I really need a waterproof ink, since I paint over with watercolour. Please give your opinion on this Teoh- just a dip pen friendly, easy to clean, good flow, waterproof, deep deep black ink ? Is it too much to ask..;)
Maybe try adding some water into the thick ink and mix around. If you use dip pen, it's good to have a bottle with large opening. The other ink I can think of is Sailor KiwaGuro which is also waterproof and has a bottle with large opening.
Teoh Yi Chie I have heard of this, but was not sure about the waterproof quality. Thanks Teoh. It is up in my list, I will try it next.
Teoh Yi Chie I have tried adding water a little, but haven't seen much difference. Maybe I should go all in..😅
I have tested the waterfastness of Dr Martin's vs Speedball, and had much more luck with Doc Martin's. It dries faster (you should let any ink dry for hours before trying to wash over it) and will not bleed, even on unforgiving surfaces like clayboard. (Speedball ink would bleed on Clayboard even after 24 hours, although it would hold up ok on paper by then)
fritzthefox Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am planning to try doc Martins sometime soon. Compared to speedball would you say doc Martins hi carb gets thick sooner?
can you do a review of reeves watercolour?
Perhaps in the future :-)
Teoh Yi Chie Please do make a review about them!
Am I correct in observing an inversely proportional relationship between opaqueness and matte?
I'm not sure if there's a relationship. It's got to do with what the ink was made. Some inks will be matte no matter the concentration. You can see this chart of inks I've tried. www.parkablogs.com/picture/comparison-of-different-black-inks
Teoh Yi Chie Wow, you have a very organised mind (link). I noticed when you were angling the page into the light that the matte ink samples were the least opaque when looked at directly. On second thought, the matte appearance may be a property of the paper, not the ink.
John Matthias Hicarb is the most opaque. I noticed the first wash of Bombay Black was actually matte even when reflected against light, but the subsequent layers are not as matte. So it could be that the ink needs to be applied in thin layers.
My question is this on compressed pulp paper that’s been dyed by fabric dye stick to it and be waterproof and if dye that same paper with India ink stop the bleeding of the fabric dye and make the paper waterproof with the India ink on it?
Great comparison! Thank you.