LAB notes: BIC4-in-1
This is a popular brand and perhaps the most widely available but, most importantly, this particular Bic model has been around awhile — at least 30 years by our estimate — meaning (or at least implying ) Bic has had plenty of time to test and perfect these ink formulas. Bic's 4 basic colors of black, blue, red and green should therefore be the most stable of the bunch. Let us hope Bic is tracking artistic interest in their product and will further perfect the lifespan of all their inks to serve artistic usage.
Above: Gel ink colors tested during 2015, showing 6 months exposure to interior (left) & exterior lighting conditions (right). Below: Gel ink swatches for Round 2 of testing, 2016. First results in May, on the LAB page.
Lightfast ink testing, Phase ONE : February—June 2015; Phase TWO : June 2015—February 2016.
Control Factors, Phase ONE, first four months of active tracking (Feb 28 through June 30, 2015)...
Two separate circumstances, environments constituting "normal" display. Variables: proximity-to and type-of light.
・Exterior sets: Window exposure: natural duration of ambient daylight; bright but *indirect sunlight. Occasional amounts of stronger, reflected light depending on time of day and season. At least 8 hours of overnight darkness.
・Interior sets: Normal exposure; low lamp light and/or refracted, ambient room light. No bright light, no spotlight. The conditions of an average room throughout an average day. At least 8 hours of overnight darkness.
Both sets received the same amount (time) of exposure relative to their placement. Neither set received direct sunlight ; only the different degrees of indirect, ambient light as noted above. The results of testing against direct sunlight promised to be so obvious as to be deemed unnecessary, for the time being, but we may undertake such tests in the future.
Scanning was kept consistent; same machine, same settings. We allowed for some data discrepancies in the earliest results, reasoning the obvious effects of time and exposure would outweigh any such discrepancies over longer durations. Monthly scans of swatches exposed to Interior & Exterior light are compared against the Freshly inked scans. We operated under the assumption that the light of one monthly scan will not, itself, adversely affect results. Bic, Pilot, Papermate, Pentel and Zebra pen inks were tested. Other brands will be tested in the future.
Lightfast Ink testing entered Phase TWO at the end of June 2015 (06/30)...
Control Factors, Phase TWO, six months (June 2015—February 2016)...
Exterior sets: Exposure during those first four months of Phase ONE testing showed such extreme effects that further tracking was deemed unnecessary, with effects clearly visible in swatches posted monthly during that period. For Phase Two of Exterior testing, therefore, affected swatches were placed into archival sleeves and kept from ALL exposure from June 2015 (06/30) until February 2016 (02/03/2016). This was to see if affected ink would continue to deteriorate after removal from light, or whether deterioration would cease. Exterior inks pictured as 02/03/2016 show the results of NO exposure to light between 06/30/15 - 02/03/2016.
Interior sets: Most brands fared well during those first four months of Phase ONE testing, showing minimal effects of exposure to ambient room light (results of course varied from brand to brand, color to color). Interior ink swatches were kept under the original conditions, but our tracking was prolonged to allow the incremental effects of exposure to be more readily noticeable by the lengthier exposure. Interior ink swatches pictured as 02/03/2016 show the cumulative results of the full year of continued exposure to ambient room light; no direct light or spotlights.
SWATCHWATCH by R. Bell posted March 5, 2016
Zebra SARASA gel ink colors
Several colors from Zebra pen company's Sarasa line of gel inks were included in lightfast ink tests conducted throughout 2015. Effects of 6 months exposure to ambient interior and exterior lighting conditions were so disconcerting, overall (below), that special scrutiny was scheduled for this year, especially seeing as ballpoint companies are force-feeding these inks to consumers (although switching to water-based gel ink production is likely moreso for economic reasons under the guise of providing more colors to consumers). A full spectrum of gel ink color swatches scanned March 1st (bottom) will be the focus of testing this year. First results will be posted in May 2016, on theLABpage.
SWATCHWATCH compiled by The Ballpointer staff, Mahozawari Unlimited & Points East revised February 11, 2016
Ink testing begun at the end of February 2015 (02/28) entered Phase Two at the end of June 2015 (06/30)...
LAB notes: PENTELR.S.V.P. FINE
PASS: BothRSVP colors endured a year of exposure to Interior light with little, if any, ill effects (02/28/2015—02/03/2016).
Sky blue is also withstanding Exterior exposure, only showing hints of fading or discoloration after 4 months, which halted after removal from exposure.
FAIL: Exterior light exposure killed PINK, causing discoloration after 1 month and fading after 2 months (04/29). 6 months of exposure to ambient Exterior light have caused notable deterioration to RSVP pink, which halted after removal from exposure.
THINK by O. Lebron posted February 26, 2015
Common Sense Advice for the Fight Against Light
For the uninitiated, lightfastness refers to the sensitivity or susceptibility of ink color to light; specifically exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of sunlight, direct or reflected, but also from artificial sources (spotlights; fluorescent light, et al). Amateur doodlers or hobbyists for whom it's all about recreation, convenience and economics, can draw without giving any thought to the matter, and the value of commercial artists' artwork is tied to the disposability of commerce and lives on in reproduction. But anyone intending to hang ballpoint pen artwork on a wall and have it remain beautiful, or hoping to put a price on an original ballpoint drawing, should acquaint themselves with the considerations listed below.
Ballpoint companies are not known for providing information regarding the lightfastness of their inks, and other reports listing ratings and ratios are Greek to the layman. What is known is that ballpoint pen inks are mostly OIL-based dyes which consist of any number of additives affecting lightfastness. The oil-based inks, it is important to note, are the inks anyone hoping for longevity ought to be using. Water-based, Milky-type pens and gel inksare most unsafe for anyone with higher hopes. Unfortunately the pen brands offering the most variety of colors are the gel- or dye-based inks, generally rated as "poor to moderate" and considered unstable. Additionally, halftone effects achievable with those pens are very limited compared to effects achievable using the thicker, oil-based inks.
In response to inquiries from artists asking for advice about the lightfastness of ballpoint pen inks, we are publishing this introductory list offering common sense considerations of greatest concern to ballpointers. Good habits and rules-of-thumb to abide by, which should become second-nature if they are not already.
ONPAPER...
Below is the label of the paper used for all ink swatches produced for these tests. We did not select this brand for any specific reasons or with any specific outcome expected, this paper is simply what was easily obtainable to us.
BIC Velocity 1.6
We had our doubts about Velocity from the start. Ink viscosity was noticeably inconsistent between colors, some seeming either water- or gel-based. Blue & green were particularly watery...
PASS: Turquoise & lime again withstand a year of Interior light with no discernible losses at all, while pink & red show minute discoloration.
FAIL: PURPLE ! Turned a reddish-brown after 4 months of Exterior light, lost some luster after 1 year of Interior light. Black, pink & red also fared poorly after 4 months of Exterior light. Green & blue lost luster under both lighting conditions.
*NOTE: After 4 months of exposure to Exterior light, then removed from exposure altogether, the condition of all Bic colors tested thus far held steady, showing no further effects as illustrated in swatch comparisons of 06/30/15 and 02/03/2016.
Put to the test...
After 1 month, a loss of luster was noticeable in most colors facing InteriorandExterior exposure; somewhat puzzling so early in testing. Possible scanner discrepancy was disproven with subsequent scans; affects held steady after initial first-month loss of luster. The exception: GREEN, which showed little if any ill effects.
After 4 months (06/30), green continued its reign; Bic's winning color in the fight against light, Interiorand Exterior. All other colors fared well against Interior light, but... immediate loss of luster and subsequent fading of red and black after 4 months of ambient Exterior exposure are the biggest disappointment. Blue didn't show much fade but instead darkened and lost its blue hue.
PASS: GREEN ! With 'flying colors', so to speak; even survived through Exterior exposure! Stock up on Bic green, ballpointers, and start drawing more grassy fields and forests!
FAIL: Exterior exposure to red, black and blue killed those colors, which fared better against Interior exposure.
SIDE NOTE:
** Keep your artwork AWAY from windows and any kind of sunlight, even reflected sunlight. You will notice this to be true with swatches of all brands tested thus far.
* After being removed from exposure to Exterior light altogether, the condition of all four basic Bic colors hold steady, showing no further affects, as shown in the comparison between 06/30/15 and 02/03/2016 swatches.
Ultimately, the problem of light is inherent to the medium and only minimally avoidable.
Solutions are limited. Be smart. Spray fixatives also offer no guarantee, and may actually do more harm than good. Test! Changes in temperature, humidity and the air around you also conspire to break down your inks at a molecular level until color virtually disappears from the page. So-called air fade, dark fade and additional questions of weatherfast offer only more prospects for degradation. Keep visiting The Ballpointer to track the official findings of our upcoming research, and, if you have any experience or expertise of your own to offer, please share your information with us. Your input and participation are welcome (see below). And don't trade in your ballpoints for brushes just yet・
SWATCHWATCH
LAB notes:
posted February 11, 2016
As noted above, swatches in the 06/30/15 columns show the accumulated effects of 4 months worth exposure to Interior & Exterior lighting, respectively, as compared to the fresh scans of 02/28/15 swatches. Swatches in the 02/03/2016Interior column show the continued effects of exposure to light nearly one year since original scans. Swatches in the 02/03/2016Exterior column show the condition of ink swatches after being removed from exposure since the previous 06/30/15Exterior scans.
BIC4-in-1 pastel colors
PASS: Turquoise & lime! No effects after 1 year of Interior light. Pink shows only slight discoloration.
Turquoise & lime also show only slight discoloration against Exterior light.
FAIL: PURPLE ! Gloriously! A year of Interior light was not so bad (and we will continue tracking) but, even after only a month or 2 of Exterior light, this color was failing.
Pink also showed a great deal of discoloration.
Predictions & comments from readers & contributors
Tokyo April 2, 2015
I've instituted a ''Restoration Policy'' for certain sales, promising to do so for customers who request it as long as I'm alive & able, provided they've clearly followed recommendations I include in my sales invoices (& other stipulations). I do this because I've had cases of irate customers calling back with complaints about faded artwork & I even showed up to investigate once and found the artwork hanging right under a skylight! Needless to say I didn't restore that one.
TB adds: This thoughtful tip comes from esteemed ballpointer Lennie Mace.
New York, NY March 15
I bought a piece of art in ballpoint pen in 1991 and it looks the same today as the day I bought it. I must say I anticipated it might fade and very consciously hung it in a hallway that gets no sunlight, just a simple lightbulb that only gets turned on sometimes to show off that and a few other pieces hanging there!
TB asks: Color ?
NY, NY replies: Lots of color! Whatever could be considered full color in ballpoint pen, I guess. There's yellow and orange and pink and purple colors used in it. I don't have a photo of it when it's new or I'd send it. All I know is it looks great and I love it!
Boston, MA Jan 21, 2015
I've definitely learned some lessons and will have to do some more testing, particularly with regard to the Schmidt p900b which, at least according to one reputable source, may be considered archival?
Another artist I've emailed with regarding ink tells me that, as he understands it, while we might think technology would catch up and make an archival ink ballpoint pen that the issue has to do with pigments vs dyes. That in order for the ink to flow well, it's has to be super fine at a molecular level. Dyes are able to flow more smoothly than pigments so they are used in ballpoint pens instead of pigments, thereby rendering the ink fade-able.
TB wonders: Anyone with knowledge of this 'Schmidt 900 '?
Input is welcome & encouraged but, by doing so, you are authorizing the use & publication of any texts &/or data provided.
LAB notes: PILOT SUPER-GP 1.6 (extra-broad nib)
Pilot ballpoints are known for their engineering excellence. Here The Ballpointer put the integrity of PilotSuper-GP inks to the test...
PASS: RED, beautifully! No discernible fade, discoloration or loss of luster after a year of exposure to Interior lighting conditions. Red even held steadfast against exposure to Exterior lighting conditions, only starting to show slight discoloration after 4 months (06/30 2015 exterior).
FAIL: Black faded to gray, even under Interior lighting conditions, even after only a few months. Beware! Blue lost its hue over a year of exposure to Interior lighting, and fared worse against Exterior light.
SIDE NOTE: Interestingly, PilotSUPER-GP ink is the only thus far to show further fade/discoloration after having been exposed for 4 months (06/30 2015 exterior) but then removed from exposure completely for 7 months (02/03 2016).
・Document the artwork right away
First and foremost! Highest-quality scans and/or photographs are of utmost importance in the preservation of the "image" itself, recording it for posterity and making it available for reproduction anytime thereafter. Poorly lit, barely focussed art "selfies" may be good for social media bragging but are otherwise useless (and only come across as amateurish).
・Frame artwork as soon as possible
Especially if showing it off is on your agenda. There is some proof to suggest that the "sealing" of the artwork into a protective casing helps defer what's known as "air fade". Think Declaration of Independence. No need for the bullet-proof glass, but…
・Don't depend on UV glass to be your savior
It surely won't hurt, but if the extra expense is prohibitive — considering many ballpointers choose the pens because that's all they can afford — just stick to your budget. Regardless, framing artwork in UV glass isn't a license to start hanging your artwork poolside. You are therefore best advised to…
・Keep all light-sensitive artwork under wraps until exhibited
Framed or not. Don't display until or unless necessary. Think museum curator; even museums only occasionally offer fragile artworks on paper, etc, for public display. Many collectors are even known to keep such purchases in a vault or at least in the dark. But, showing off your babies is half the fun and 100% of the business (hopefully), so…
・Take great care in considering wall space
You may be too late to discover that the wall you've chosen to display your masterpiece catches two hours of direct sunrise every morning for the better part of a year, while you're still snoring and unaware! Hang art on walls which receive minimal exposure to light of any kind, if you must hang it at all. Hallways! Southern-walls (artwork facing North) which usually don't receive direct sunlight (opposite in the Southern Hemisphere). And keep in mind…
・Sunlight is not the only enemy
Fluorescent light is also known to emit higher levels of UV rays, and overexposure to any strong, direct light will affect ballpoint pen ink. Hot spotlights: enemy! Again: museum curator! Dimmed or otherwise controlled lighting. Low, ambient light is best, with a lamp nearby for moments of show-and-tell.
・Do ink tests of your own
The Ballpointer tests will be undertaken using basic pen brands, but brands vary from country to country. You are the one with the pens and paper; know your own materials... Ink-in solid swatches of color using your preferred ballpoint pens and papers; make note of which are which; keep one page in a drawer, away from all light, to keep it "virgin"; place the other page out in direct sunlight &/or under hot spotlight/lamp; study what happens! Scan them at the outset and at different intervals, as well, to document the effects at those moments in time.
・Discuss the matter openly with prospective buyers
Clearly outline the care necessary to insure the artwork's longevity. It will ultimately rest upon the buyer to use common sense, but artists should advise all interested parties outright. Ballpoint ink is not alone in susceptibility to damage from overexposure to light. Pen and ink of any type is equally sensitive. Colored pencils and pastels also fall into this category. Watercolor painting may be most delicate of all, and even oil paintings shouldn't be hung on walls which will receive direct sunlight for any period of time.
Since 2014