Vibrant Turquoise Fountain Pen Ink - Diamine Eau De Nil Review

Introduction to Diamine Eau De Nil Ink

Diamine Eau De Nil is a rich turquoise ink with a hint of sheen that performs well in fountain pens. As part of Diamine's 30mL ink bottles line, Eau De Nil delivers quality and affordability that fountain pen enthusiasts appreciate.

Eau De Nil features Diamine's standard properties - flows smoothly, dries quickly on most papers, resistant to bleeding and feathering, and can be cleaned from pens with minimal effort. With a striking color reminiscent of tropical oceans, Eau De Nil makes writing a relaxing, creative experience.

Origin and Background of Diamine Eau De Nil

Diamine is a legendary fountain pen ink brand based in Liverpool, England since 1864. With over 150 standard inks and many more limited edition colors, Diamine established itself early on through quality and competitive pricing.

Eau De Nil was released as part of Diamine's early standard color lineup. Its name comes from the French term meaning "water of the Nile" - an apt description of the greenish-blue teal color.

While many Diamine inks exhibit sheen (a glossy, rainbow-like effect), Eau De Nil is not primarily known for this. Rather, its solid turquoise hue with a touch of shine is the main appeal.

Appearance and Properties of Eau De Nil

In the bottle, Eau De Nil appears as a rich blue-green turquoise color. When swatched or loaded into a fountain pen, it maintains this vibrant teal appearance.

Eau De Nil flows wetly from fountain pens and dries fairly quickly on most papers. On cheaper paper, some bleeding may occur with wider nibs or heavily saturated writing.

When dry, Eau De Nil shows a hint of red sheen under the right lighting angles. This sheen is subtle, but adds depth and dimension to writing.

Using Diamine Eau De Nil In Fountain Pens

A saturated, smooth-flowing color like Eau De Nil works well in most fountain pens. However, to get the best performance:

Choosing a Pen for Eau De Nil

Eau De Nil performs well in pens with nibs ranging from extra-fine to bold italic stubs. For showing off sheen, broader nibs allow more ink flow.

Good pen bases for Eau De Nil include the Pilot Custom 823, Lamy Studio, TWSBI 580, and lower-cost pens like the Platinum Preppy.

Priming the Feed

Before filling with Eau De Nil, flush pens thoroughly with water to remove prior inks. Filling directly over old ink residues can lead to clumping or poor flow.

Prime the feed by dipping the nib into the Eau De Nil bottle and making a few test swirls on scrap paper. This helps initiate flow.

Filling and Maintenance

Use standard filling techniques like piston, converter, or bottled eyedropper. When filled, write normally with Eau De Nil. Proper wetness and saturation should occur instantly.

For maintenance, flush pens used with Eau De Nil regularly with cool water. The dye-based formula cleans out easily using a bulb syringe, cup method, or disassembly.

Avoiding Clogs and Cleans

If flow becomes reduced, gently tweak the tines under a loupe to spread them very slightly, or floss gently between with thin brass shims.

Soaking nibs for a few minutes in soapy cool water can also help clear subtle blockages.

Tips for Using Diamine Eau De Nil

Diamine Eau De Nil excels when used thoughtfully. Here are tips for maximizing this teal ink:

Choosing Paper for Best Performance

On cheap office paper, bleeding can still occur - especially from flex nibs or heavily juicy writers. Look to mid-grade notebooks from Black n' Red, Maruman, or Rhodia for best dry times.

For showing sheen, Tomoe River paper displays Eau De Nil's hints of red at many angles not seen on ordinary paper.

Boosting Sheen

Use broader nibs or higher writing pressure to lay down thicker ink flow, the precursor to sheen. Confirm sheen development under lighting before ink fully dries.

Adding a drop of water into a converter with Eau De Nil can boost sheen, but may cut saturation. Test conservatively first.

Matching Pens and Inks Appropriately

Avoid pairing Eau De Nil with vintage pens prone to sac/diaphragm shrinkage unless specifically latex safe. Modern pens handle any pH levels the ink exhibits.

For converters, select quick flowing types like Schmidt K2, and twist motions should easily draw sufficient ink.

Showcasing and Storing Diamine Eau De Nil

Like most inks, some care in showcasing and storing Eau De Nil helps prevent any formula changes over time:

Displaying Eau De Nil Swatches and Writing Samples

Mount Eau De Nil samples on acid-free papers and archival grade albums or sleeves. Avoid direct light exposure that can fade colors gradually.

Keep displayed samples out of humidity and changes in temperature that might dry inks too rapidly and alter the intended color.

Storing Eau De Nil Bottles Safely

After re-capping bottles tightly, store Eau De Nil upright in a consistent environment away from light sources and humidity.

Overly cold conditions can cause sedimentation issues within the bottle not easily remedied later by shaking.

Avoid storing for over 5 years before revisiting and testing again. Evaporation may slowly change the original properties.

Appreciating Diamine Eau De Nil Qualities

Diamine Eau De Nil delivers vibrant, smooth-flowing color perfect for creative writing or decorative calligraphy purposes. As with all famed Diamine inks, Eau De Nil brings quality and reliability to the fountain pen hobby at an affordable price.

Whether used in modern pens from Lamy, Pilot, and TWSBI or a classic 1930's eyedropper, Eau De Nil's exotic teal green shading and subtle sheen make writing feel artistic and tranquil.

FAQs

Does Diamine Eau De Nil ink have strong sheen?

Eau De Nil shows only subtle hints of red sheen under certain good lighting conditions. It is not one of Diamine's standout sheening inks, but has a more solid teal turquoise color instead.

What papers work best with Eau De Nil?

Mid-grade fountain pen friendly papers like those from Black n' Red, Maruman, and Rhodia work well. For bringing out sheen, Tomoe River paper is an excellent choice.

How do I get the most sheen from Eau De Nil?

Use wet writing broader nibs, higher pressure, and good lighting to reveal sheen as it develops. Adding a drop of water to ink in a pen can help but may dilute color too.

Does Eau De Nil stain pens?

Eau De Nil washes cleanly from pens and feeds with just cool water and gentle flushing methods. It does not tend to permanently stain fountain pens even with extended use.