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Thread: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    Today I’m reviewing a sample of Diamine Imperial Blue

    Diamine Imperial Blue was first produced in 2005 as a limited edition to mark the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the Writing Equipment Society. The first batch had a special 25th Anniversary silver label as well as the usual Diamine label. At the end of 2006 the ink went on general sale, but was still labelled "WES" for "Writing Equipment Society". It is now part of the Diamine standard ink range and is called Imperial Blue.

    I found it a nicely flowing ink that was neither wet nor dry. It’s lubrication felt slightly drier than some other inks I’ve reviewed recently, but it was still good enough while I was writing with both of the pens I used.
    I didn’t see any spread or feathering on most of the papers I tried it with.
    With broader nibs it looks considerably more saturated than it did with finer nibs.
    It showed through on some of the papers I experimented with. See the pictures.

    I found it behaved very well. I didn’t experience any clogging problems with it. Clean-up was slightly more difficult than some because it’s a blue-violet ink, but it still washed off hands with soap and water.

    It was quite water resistant

    • This isn't sold as a waterproof ink, but shows good water resistance.
    • Bearing in mind the review form paper I use is thick with a quite shiny surface at 100gsm, and I used a M nib, this ink dried quickly after just 10-12 seconds.
    • No smear after dry.
    • It has good flow. I saw no skips or hard starts while I did swabs and dry time tests.
    • It is currently available in 80ml glass bottles or 30ml plastic bottles.
    • Diamine sell it directly to end-users on their web-site.
    • It's a reasonable price.


    Diamine Imperial Blue.jpgDiamine Imperial Blue 1.jpegDiamine Imperial Blue 2.jpeg

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    Senior Member sgtstretch's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    How does this compare to Majestic Blue?

  4. #3
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    It's a lighter blue and contains more purple. I will do a swab comparison

    Diamine Imperial Blue 3.jpeg
    Last edited by Chrissy; April 25th, 2017 at 10:17 AM.

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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    Quote Originally Posted by sgtstretch View Post
    How does this compare to Majestic Blue?
    Majestic Blue also sheens like crazy. Really a very stunning ink.

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    earthdawn (April 25th, 2017)

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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    One of my first Diamine blue inks and I still use it, now and again. Very pleasant in cartridges too.
    The Good Captain
    (Gaston F Limoges)
    "Meddler's 'Salamander' - almost as good as the real thing!"

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    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    I am reviving an old thread, but with the intention to complement Chrissy's excellent review of this ink with this sketch which shows how this ink look when used as a wash medium.



    ** In person, the sketch exhibited slightly more purple undertone than this photo suggests.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Senior Member dneal's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    The color in what appears to be the ink window is a nice shade of amethyst.
    "A truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged."

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    Quote Originally Posted by dneal View Post
    The color in what appears to be the ink window is a nice shade of amethyst.
    Yes it is. I see exactly what you mean.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink Review: Diamine Imperial Blue

    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    I am reviving an old thread, but with the intention to complement Chrissy's excellent review of this ink with this sketch which shows how this ink look when used as a wash medium.

    ** In person, the sketch exhibited slightly more purple undertone than this photo suggests.
    You're welcome. Please don't hesitate to add any of your fantastic sketches to any of my ink reviews. I'm now thinking did I unnecessarily buy P.I. aji sai??
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    penwash (November 6th, 2023)

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