I set this week’s Goulet Q&A theme as “Inks”, but clearly that was too broad of a topic! I ended up getting a slew of questions, so many that I had to split the video up into two parts, and even that won’t answer all the questions I received. So, I’ll give it my best shot. Part 1 here features broader, more general ink questions that touch on a host of different ink properties and recommendations. Part 2 will go a little deeper and answer some more specific questions. At least that’s what I was shooting for, it ended up really just being kind of a mix! Anyway, if you want to learn more about ink, at least what I think about ink, these videos should help you. Enjoy!1) GimmeCookiee- Ink Nouveau (1:57):
Are there inks that are suitable for writing on slightly ‘glossy’ paper like those commonly used for greeting cards? The paper doesn’t seem to absorb water based inks and I would have to resort to gel inked ball points on them.

2) @fmfisdead- Twitter (3:45):
Why is water resistance not considered an important property for more ink companies besides Noodler’s?

3) GenWivern2- YouTube/Steven B- Facebook (5:29):
I thought it would be useful if you discussed iron gall inks a bit next week. Some people love them (that’s me), others won’t let them anywhere near their pens, so it would be interesting to hear your take.4) Steven B- Facebook/Dave G.- Facebook (7:58):
Can hi-lighter ink be used in a fountain pen or is it only for use in a special hi-lighter pen?

5) etakemllac- YouTube (9:17):
I would LOVE to hear about inks that are not necessarily “workplace-friendly”. There is a lot of talk about inks that are, but no everyone needs that. Let’s hear about bright colors and especially anything that shades exceptionally well. It seems these inks are often overlooked for blue-blacks and such.

6) Penny Simon- YouTube (11:38):
I’ve read reviews that refer to some inks, such as Noodler’s Kung Te-Cheng, as “difficult”. What qualities are they referring to when they say this? And can this tendency be compensated for with the right choice of pen? Also, when does a person require the use of a lubricated ink?

7) enado18- YouTube (15:04):
For the ink Q&A I’d like to hear about scented inks! Customer reviews seem to suggest most scented inks are bland generic flowery smells, but I’d like to find some more interesting ones like those Sanford Mr. Sketch markers I had as a kid!

8) mikehewHI- YouTube (17:15):
Are some inks more prone to clogging fountain pens than others? Is there a preference on the different kinds of ink such as Bulletproof, Eternal, Lubricated, etc to eliminate this?

9) tanyees- YouTube (20:53):
How does diluting inks affects its properties, eg viscosity, flow, dry time, feathering etc? Is the reverse true if left in a pen for some period? Which inks are good for flexing, sbrebrown mentioned x feather? How to best bring out shading in a saturated ink, would diluting work??10) Pascal D.- Facebook (24:59):
What’s the best way to safely store bottled ink? I’ve bought JHerbin cartridges that were half empty, and still sealed, when I started.. Is there an expiration date on bottled ink?

11) John N.- Facebook (29:06):
With Ink prices ranging from $30 to $9 on your site, what is the difference between the inks? I understand the “bullet proofness” may be a factor. But are things like viscosity and other factors a factor in the range in pricing? Or is it just the manufactures price that they can get for it?

12) Stefan B.- Facebook (31:03):
What happened to CdA (Caran d’Ache)?

Since this is a two-part Q&A theme, I’ll still be taking questions on “Inks” for next week’s video. I’ll be doing Part 2 next Friday, and then I’ll change up the theme after that. I know in the video I said I’d rapid-fire Part 2 out mid-week, but it’s looking like my schedule isn’t going to accommodate that. So I’ll plan to make Episode 6 on September 27th be “Inks Part 2”. Be sure to check out previous Goulet Q&A videos here.

Have a great week, and thanks for asking great questions and for showing up to see me!

Write On,
Brian Goulet