What iron gall ink does that other inks don't
Iron gall inks work differently to dye inks and pigment inks. When the ink first touches the paper it reads as a blue-periwinkle. Over the following hours it oxidises — the iron compounds in the formulation react with air and the paper surface — and deepens into a dusky blue-black. The line you made this morning looks different this afternoon. Lines made weeks ago look different again.*
*For illustration this is not a problem — it is a quality. The slight variation in tone across a drawing made over several sessions creates a natural depth that a uniform black cannot replicate. Iron gall also produces excellent water resistance as it oxidises, making older lines more durable than fresh ones.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
Does iron gall ink damage fountain pens?
Iron gall inks can corrode steel nibs over extended periods without cleaning. Use with stainless steel or gold nibs, flush weekly, and never leave iron gall sitting in a pen for more than two weeks without use. Many illustrators keep iron gall in a dedicated dip pen holder specifically to avoid these concerns.
How long does it take for Salix to fully oxidise?
The most significant colour change happens in the first 24 hours. The ink continues to darken subtly over several days but the majority of the shift from blue-periwinkle to blue-black is complete within a day of writing.
What is the difference between Salix and Scabiosa?
Both are Rohrer & Klingner iron gall inks. Salix produces a blue-black; Scabiosa produces a dusty purple-grey. Both share the same oxidation behaviour and water-resistance properties. We stock both — Scabiosa is the one to choose if you want warmth and distinctiveness in your linework.