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Tools & Supplies / Re: A few odd questions on ink...
« on: August 26, 2019, 07:53:22 PM »
Hey I live in Vegas too and definitely understand your concern.
I use bottled sumi ink mostly and always decant and dilute with about 30% water into a covered but not airtight inkwell. When I get back to writing the next day, I always add a few more drops of water using an eyedropper. Sometimes I don't get to write for over a week, and the sumi ink would harden into a black solid mass that i have to pick out with pliers! If you use an airtight inkwell then it'll help, though I'd still add water once in awhile. I have the same experience with iron gall and walnut ink. I use gouache from time to time, but I give up trying to save the leftover ink.
It's worse if you do gilding, the size dries so quickly it's very difficult to apply the gold leaf. Some tinkering with the formula is involved. And don't get me started on oil painting!
Good luck!!
I use bottled sumi ink mostly and always decant and dilute with about 30% water into a covered but not airtight inkwell. When I get back to writing the next day, I always add a few more drops of water using an eyedropper. Sometimes I don't get to write for over a week, and the sumi ink would harden into a black solid mass that i have to pick out with pliers! If you use an airtight inkwell then it'll help, though I'd still add water once in awhile. I have the same experience with iron gall and walnut ink. I use gouache from time to time, but I give up trying to save the leftover ink.
It's worse if you do gilding, the size dries so quickly it's very difficult to apply the gold leaf. Some tinkering with the formula is involved. And don't get me started on oil painting!
Good luck!!
