Here are nine De Atramentis document inks. I have tested the black but on the photograph have included the archive ink as they behave in the same way. The good news is that they are all bleach resistant, as you’d expect. When added to a water base there are some variations. Brown, Fuchsia and Yellow blend very easily revealing some lovely variations in tone while Fog Grey, Dark Blue, Blue, Turquoise and Green are quite resistant. The Black appears to float particles on top of the water, which gives for an interesting texture. As writing inks these are all quite thick – as document inks can be. Of note – the Turquoise bleeds on more absorbent papers! No real surprises here but I doubt I’ll be using any of these in creative projects going forward.

Inks sourced from stationeryshop.scotland@gmail.com and www.gouletpens.com

All tests on Bockingford 200lb watercolour paper using Frankenflex pen Jinhao 159 with titanium zebra G flex nib.