Platinum Carbon Black Ink - My Favourite Waterproof Ink // My Thoughts

Thanks for tuning in to watch my urban sketching, ink and watercolour tutorial! Don't forget to check out my channel where I have hundreds of different urban sketch tutorials, as well as other watercolour and ink sketching guides for everyone from beginners to more advanced!

When I reach my goal I'll upgrade my sketching tutorials with a new camera and use my old camera to give an extra view point in my videos! Perhaps my face, perhaps my watercolour palette, or some close ups of my process!

Platinum carbon black in is a waterproof ink, and not just my favourite - it seems like it's everybody's favourite.

In this video I'll talk about why I like platinum carbon black ink, how waterproof it really is, and the potential pitfalls and dangers of using it!

If you're looking for a waterproof black ink, in short, this is a very good option!

(I do not have an affiliation with platinum - this is honestly just the ink I use!)

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00:00 Introduction
00:23 Background info
00:41 Why is it special?
01:01 Does it damage fountain pens?
01:32 What colour is it?
02:52 Is it really waterproof?
03:20 Test with watercolours
#urbansketch #howtosketch #tobyurbansketch

[puppydood]

Thanks Toby. I found this ink from the supplies list on your website a short while ago. I have it in my Lamy and in a cheap fude fountain pen and it works a treat.

[catherinehubbard]

I also recommend another absolutely waterproof, archival, and well-behaved ink for writing and drawing: Noodler’s Lexington Gray. It’s a lovely transparent neutral medium-dark gray which can be layered into darker shades. This ink works well also in waterbrushes, both straight and in dilutions. I like it under watercolor washes because in my opinion it harmonizes with the colors more gracefully than full black does. I do also use the Platinum Carbon Black, but over the years I have come to prefer the Lexington Gray, which is much better behaved than some other Noodler’s inks. It’s dark enough that it’s also a favorite writing ink even with EF nibs.

[stephanes]

Platinum pigment ink is my favorite too. You can find this same ink in sepia color, but it's a bit of a bland brown and too light. A recipe I recommend: fill the converter with sepia ink up to 5 mm from the edge and add 5 or 6 drops of black (not more because it darkens the mixture very quickly): you get a deep dark brown pigmented ink, which brings extra life to your sketches, and neutral enough to be associated very well with watercolor...
Personally I never fill my fountain pens by dipping the tip in the inkwell... It's messy and wastes ink.. and you can't control the possible mix. I use needle bottles and I fill directly the converter by taking it out of the pen. It's very fast, very clean, and it allows for mixing different tones of ink. I wonder why everyone doesn't do it that way ^^

[robertcook]

I use Indian ink with a glass pen, which I like very much. However, sometimes I wish to be able to make finer lines. I've never dared use permanent ink in a fountain pen in case it gums up the works. Now I know this will not be the case, so thank you for an extremely useful bit of bit of knowledge based on your actual experience

[Poohze]

I use Platinum Carbon in one of my beloved fude-nib pens, and Platinum Brun Sepia in another. I've just bought a watercolour set, and can't wait to combine them all!

[maedekelaye]

I really enjoyed getting to know your channel, full of good feelings and I got a lot of good energy. I will be with you. I hope you shine with millions of subscribers, my dear friend.❤

[sarahannedesign]

This is my favourite ink but I have had it clog up pens within days, is it just the quality of the pen and the seal of the cap? Perhaps it is time to order a Lamy. (previously I have been using pens which I could put a zebra G nib in, perhaps they are a bit too cheap)

Is there any maintenance you do between sketches/uses? thanks!

[stefannorinder]

Thanks for the great content btw. Very inspiring.

[Seattleintherain]

I love your simple and so very useful instruction videos. I would love to love to, but have never, tried sketching with a fountain pen. I used always to write with a fountain pen (60 years ago in school) but because I’m left handed the nibs scratched the paper and the ink never flowed smoothly. I know some pen companies say they have left-handed nibs, but I’ve not tried them. Have any of your left handed friends ever spoken of a pen they would recommend? It’s a right handed world, more than you righties could know.

[PaulaBean]

Waterproof ink, the best invention since sliced bread!

[livebyreason]

Question for those that use this ink: How often to you flush your nibs, if ever? Thanks in advance!

[adolfolopez]

sorry if I missed it in the video but what kind of paper is being used or do you use when you do washes?

[Mathias_NB]

I used Carbon Platinum ink with my Lamy Safari a xouole of years ago and foolishly I let it dry out. I soaked it in water overnight but it's still clogged. Any suggestions? Thanks

[bigblue]

Thanks Toby. I bought some Indian ink but then came across someone saying it clogs your pen up. It may be a case that some pens deal with it better than others.

[timothy]

HAve you tried the de Atramentis document ink?

[PaulaBean]

Do you know Rotring ink? Dries very fast, and also waterproof.

[pesto]

word to the wise.. if you travel a lot - be careful of fountain pens and airplanes.... Poof!