Home Made Ink (Recipe from 1874)

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Colonist, Volume XVI, Issue 1700, 2 January 1874, Page 3

Here is the ink recipe converted to metric measurements:

Original Recipe:

• Equal parts of Prussian blue and oxalic acid, pounded finely.

• Add water to desired shade.

• Add a little gum acacia to prevent spreading.

Metric Conversion (example for a small batch):

• 10 grams Prussian blue

• 10 grams oxalic acid

• 100-200 ml water (adjust based on shade intensity)

• 1-2 grams gum acacia (dissolved in water)

modernized version of the ink recipe:

Ingredients:

• 10 g Prussian blue pigment

• 10 g oxalic acid

• 150 ml distilled water (adjust for desired ink intensity)

• 2 g gum arabic (modern equivalent of gum acacia)

• Optional: A few drops of essential oil (like clove oil) to prevent mold.

Instructions:

1. Finely grind the Prussian blue and oxalic acid together using a mortar and pestle.

2. Slowly mix the powder into distilled water, stirring until fully dissolved and smooth.

3. In a separate small amount of warm water, dissolve the gum arabic, then combine with the pigment solution.

4. Add a few drops of clove oil to preserve the ink.

5. Store the ink in a sterilized, airtight glass bottle.

This recipe makes a stable ink suitable for dip pens or brushes

Fountain Pen-Safe Ink Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 g Prussian blue pigment (finely ground)

• 5 g oxalic acid

• 100 ml distilled water

• 2 g liquid gum arabic (or 1 g powdered, fully dissolved)

• 1-2 drops clove oil (natural preservative)

• 1-2 drops glycerin (optional, for smoother flow)

Instructions:

1. Grind Prussian blue and oxalic acid very finely.

2. Warm the distilled water slightly (not boiling).

3. Gradually stir in the pigment and acid, ensuring full dissolution without grit.

4. Dissolve gum arabic fully in a bit of warm water, then add to the main mixture. This controls viscosity.

5. Add clove oil to prevent mold and glycerin for improved ink flow.

6. Strain through a fine mesh or coffee filter to remove any undissolved particles that could clog the pen.

7. Store in a sterile, airtight bottle.

Notes:

• Always test on a dip pen before using in a fountain pen to ensure smoothness and prevent sediment.

• Shake before each use, even after straining.

• For extra safety, use a micro-mesh or ultrafine filter to ensure no particles remain.