I want paint or ink that runs.
May 22, 2019 5:16 PM   Subscribe

I have an idea for an art project that I’d like to do. In short, I want to write some stuff on paper, put the paper in a mason jar, and then have the pigment of what I write dissolve into the water. It doesn’t have to be all the way, it’s fine if some words here and there are legible, but I’d really like the water to take on color. What is the best paper and paint or ink to do this? I asked at the store today and they recommended watercolor pencils, which aren’t having the effect I was going for, though maybe it just needs to soak longer? Thanks!
posted by emkelley to Media & Arts (12 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Try basic crayola markers, not the waterproof ones. They do this. Use a smooth lightweight paper, satin finish if you can find it, so less of the ink absorbs. I'd imagine rice paper could work well.
posted by OnefortheLast at 5:25 PM on May 22, 2019 [1 favorite]


Washable markers made for kids? Sharpies re quite permanent, ballpoint pens bleed, some fine-tip pens like Pilot might bleed - they make a mess if they leak in my purse or pocket, but partially wash out.
posted by theora55 at 5:25 PM on May 22, 2019 [2 favorites]


If it doesn't have to be archival, have you considered fountain pen ink? There are a lot that are NOT water-resistant and that dissolve into water quite readily. If you ask over at Fountain Pen Network under Inky Thoughts, I'm sure folks will have suggestions for different colors and so on, or else you can check the Ink Reviews index.
posted by yhlee at 5:26 PM on May 22, 2019 [7 favorites]


I would try liquid watercolors. Liquid watercolors are most pigmented. That could mean they may stain your paper though and no "wash off" so well. Tube or pan watercolors may stain less but still be a pigmented depending on quality and opacity. Experiment with paper types as well. Different finishes and paper products soak up or reject pigments in different ways.
posted by Crystalinne at 5:27 PM on May 22, 2019 [3 favorites]


Seconding fountain pen ink, especially saturated but water-soluble colors. Diamine is famously gentle and easy to clean up, which are basically synonymous with dissolving easily. Goulet samples like this are a great way to get small amounts of ink for small amounts of money.
posted by bagel at 5:36 PM on May 22, 2019 [1 favorite]


Some of the Noodlers inks will work. I am pretty sure “Dark Matter” which is close to Parker’s Quink will do what you want.
posted by blnkfrnk at 5:50 PM on May 22, 2019


Papermate Flair felt tip pens will work great for this. You can use watercolor paper.
posted by mai at 5:57 PM on May 22, 2019


I was going to say fountain pen ink too. It is available in many colors. Also, if you want partial dissolution, putting the paper half-way in will (probably) do a cool thing where some dissolves and some moves through the paper making nifty patterns and separating into different colors. Good luck with your art.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 7:46 PM on May 22, 2019


I was looking for biodegradable or water soluble paper the other day for a riverside memorial service. Thinking of floating some words on the water but want it to break down. Maybe that kind of thing in conjunction with your ink?
posted by amanda at 8:45 PM on May 22, 2019


Does it have to be water? I'm wondering if Sharpies and rubbing alcohol wouldn't work. I'm almost tempted to not turn out the light and go try it... but not quite!
posted by kate4914 at 11:22 PM on May 22, 2019


Try ecoline liquid watercolor. It's been a while since I used them last, but I think they can do what you want.
posted by mumimor at 12:34 AM on May 23, 2019


My Pentel Energel purple pens that I use at work do this, as I have found the times when I've knocked over an entire Nalgene full of water on my desk.
posted by fiercecupcake at 6:44 AM on May 23, 2019


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