Diluting Moon Palace Sumi Ink

[Jack 41C]

I am using Moon Palace Sumi Ink with a Hunt 101 nib.
When I started this combination I felt that the ink need dilution so add a small amount of water.
The nib is cleaned and works well.
When I load the nib I tap it on the bottle neck to get rid of the excess yet the first couple of letters are 'heavy'.  Then I can get fairly good results.

How do I know when to dilute ink or when I have over-diluted?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jack

[Erica McPhee]

This is an excellent question and believe it or not, one even seasoned calligraphers struggle with from time to time. I always dilute my sumi ink and when I get it close I then add drop by drop until it is the right consistency. I also sometimes forcefully dab the pen in the air above the inkwell to get the excess off before writing. This may help you get to the sweet spot right from the get go. If I am unsure, I always do a touch line (just touch down with a hairline, slight swell, then hairline) on a scrap paper nearby. 

[Jack 41C]

Thanks Erica,

Three water droplets, well stirred, one good shake and all is well.

(Just a little mopping-up to be done before the Mrs sees the splashes  )

Jack