Do you use archival-quality, non-fading inks? How long would you say they last for? What do you recommend for this?

December 11, 2013

For practice, I maintain that iron gall ink is very suitable for Spencerian script which requires fine lines. Unfortunately, the nature of iron gall is extremely acidic and can corrode the paper. However, this also depends on the surface that one is writing on. Some papers from 1800s with iron gall ink corrode much faster (depending on humidity and temperature) and yet some manuscripts well over 1000 years old have survived with no degradation whatsoever from the ink. Still, I love using iron gall and walnut ink (slightly less acidic) for work.

However, if one wants to use an ink which can stand the test of time, a carbon based ink is most appropriate. Carbon particles do not fade and is used by conservators in museums for labeling. Unfortunately, the detriment to this is that it is not waterproof and can be washed off with water (I don’t care if it says it’s waterproof, they’re never 100% waterproof!). As long as you keep the document safely dry in a frame, it should be alright. You should read through this topic to see what others have to say.