About ink water resistance
Waterproof ink is an ink that is resistant to water and moisture, meaning it won't smudge, run, or fade when it comes into contact with water. It is important in various applications where the durability of the ink is crucial, such as in document preservation and art projects. Waterproof inks are commonly used in fountain pens, gel pens, ballpoint pens, and inkjet printers. Here are some common types of waterproof inks:
1. Pigment Ink: Pigment-based inks contain tiny solid particles of color that are suspended in a liquid carrier. These solid particles are resistant to water and are less likely to run or smudge.
2. Archival Ink: Archival inks are designed to be long-lasting and resistant to fading, moisture, and environmental factors. They are commonly used for printing important documents, photographs, and artwork that needs to stand the test of time.
3. India Ink: India ink is a traditional waterproof ink that contains carbon particles mixed with a binding agent like shellac or acrylic. It's often used for calligraphy, illustration, and other artistic applications because of its permanence and water resistance.
4. Gel Ink: Some gel ink pens use water-resistant ink formulations that prevent smudging and running when exposed to water. These are popular for writing in situations where water resistance is important.
5. Ballpoint Pen Ink: Many ballpoint pens use oil-based ink that is inherently water-resistant. While it may not be completely waterproof, it is less likely to smudge when exposed to moisture compared to water-based inks.
It's important to note that while these inks are water-resistant, their level of resistance can vary. Some may be more resistant than others, and the specific paper or surface they are used on can also affect their performance. If you require a high level of waterproofing, it's a good idea to test the ink on the intended surface or consult product standards or specifications to ensure it meets your needs.
DIN and ISO standards for water resistance on inks.
ISO and DIN standards related to water resistance in fountain pen inks primarily fall under the scope of ISO 12757-2 for international standards and DIN 16555 for German standards. These standards provide guidelines and specifications for ink performance, including water resistance, when used in fountain pens. Here's an overview of these standards:
1. **ISO 12757-2:** This international standard is titled "ISO 12757-2:2018 - Writing ink and related products -- Requirements for ink used in pens (excluding ballpoint pens) It specifies requirements for ink cartridges used in fountain pens, especially those used for documentary purposes. Water resistance is one of the aspects addressed in this standard, ensuring that ink used in fountain pens can withstand exposure to water without smudging or running. This standard is relevant for fountain pen inks used in applications where document permanence is essential.
2. **DIN 16555:** DIN standards, particularly those related to fountain pen ink, are specific to Germany and may not have direct counterparts in the ISO standards. DIN 16555, titled "Ink for fountain pens - Requirements and testing," is a German standard that specifies requirements for ink used in fountain pens. While it may include criteria related to water resistance, it primarily focuses on meeting the needs of the German market and may not be as widely recognized internationally as ISO standards.
Both ISO 12757-2 and DIN 16555 are important for establishing the quality and performance standards of fountain pen inks, including their water resistance. However, ISO 12757-2 is the more widely recognized international standard and is often used as a reference for assessing the quality of fountain pen inks in various countries. If you are specifically interested in water resistance criteria for fountain pen inks, ISO 12757-2 is the standard that is more likely to be referenced and adopted on a global scale.
Here at Noteworthy Stationery we will mark an ink as “water resistant” when it complies with any of both standards ISO or DIN as indicated by the manufacturer.
Also, after testing many inks we think it is important to mention that even when an ink complies with a standard it might still present different degrees of “waterproofness”.