This is the third in this batch of ink reviews, for Diamine 150th Anniversary Blue Velvet ink.

What is the name “Blue Velvet” meant to evoke? Probably not the 1986 David Lynch movie of the same name, although the shade of blue used on the poster (see the linked Wikipedia page) is quite similar. Beyond that a Google search yielded many similar colours, all indicating something closer to a lighter Royal Blue.

The ink cost £7.75 (including VAT), for a 40ml bottle, from a UK supplier, which along with the other inks in this series I would class as moderately priced.

I gave descriptions of the box and bottle of the 150th Anniversary series in my review of Diamine Anniversary 1864 Blue Black Ink, so I won’t repeat them here. The only difference is that the backgrounds of the box and bottle labels are a close approximation of the Blue Velvet ink colour.

The test pen in this case was a silver Pilot MR with a medium nib.

This ink showed no water resistance and water drops obliterated text easily. Cleaning the test pen was easy. Drying time was relatively quick at around 10 seconds.

Rhodia Dot Pad No 16

Although this seems intended more as a mid-blue, it is still deeply saturated and with a wet pen on this paper came out quite dark. It is very attractive though. I was able to get it to smudge slightly, although based on my experience with other inks in this series I am looking for this more than I would normally. Overall the ink performed well.

Ryman Memo Block 9cm x 9cm

Good performance but still a little smudging.

Yellow Post-It

Good performance again and only slight smudging.

Field Notes – Pitch Black

I’ve been hard on the ink again in my written comments – this really isn’t too bad.

Mnemosyne Word Card

This shows a little more shading than the writing samples.

Conclusion

Of this series of 8 eight inks, two are blue, and another a blue-black (although in my writing tests it appeared to be almost black). They are all very different colours but still suitable for business use (smudging aside). If I had to choose, my preference from all three would be Blue Velvet, not least because of the faster drying time and a reduced tendency to smudge.

Diamine 150th Anniversary Blue Velvet - Word Card

Diamine 150th Anniversary Blue Velvet

Diamine 150th Anniversary Blue Velvet - Close Up

Diamine 150th Anniversary Blue Velvet - Word Card