Diamine Sailor's Warning ink bottle and ink swatches + writing samples created on a Col-o-ring ink test swatch card with the deck of ink swatch cards hooked on a vintage brass ink well by the ring.

Diamine Sailor’s Warning Ink Review: Shimmer on the Horizon

Welcome back to the Pen Chalet Fountain Pen Blog and our latest, the Diamine Sailor’s Warning ink review! Today, we’re diving deep into the sparkling seas of Diamine’s Shimmering Ink Collection. You’ll love this vibrant, community-created color that adds a little adventure to your writing.

Meet the Ink Maker: Diamine

Diamine inks have been enchanting pen enthusiasts since 1864, consistently delivering quality and innovation from their UK-based workshop. Diamine inks are renowned for their rich hues, excellent performance, and delightful shimmer.

Get to Know the Ink Series: Diamine Shimmer Ink Collection

The Diamine Shimmering ink Collection is beloved for its captivating colors paired with subtle sparkle. The combo adds a bit of magic to everyday writing or special projects.

This Week’s Featured Ink: Diamine Sailor’s Warning

Diamine Sailor’s Warning ink is a dazzling member of the shimmering ink series. Pen and Ink fans love its bright yet sophisticated shade of red and alluring silver shimmer. In fact, this addition to the Shimmer Ink Series was voted on and created by the passionate fountain pen community. So this ink is an extra special addition to Diamine’s already pretty special shimmer ink collection.

Diamine Sailor’s Warning Ink Review Test Results:

To put Diamine Sailor’s Warning ink to the test, we used our trusty J Herbin Glass Dip Pen and Rhodia paper. You can check out the actual ink review tests here or read on for a bit of discussion below:

Diamine Sailor's Warning Shimmer ink review test results on lined Rhodia paper.
Take a look at the tests we ran during today’s ink review featuring Sailor’s Warning ink by Diamine.

Diamine Shimmer Ink Bottle and Packaging:

Diamine Sailor's Warning ink bottle sitting on Rhodia ICE top staplebound notebooks in front of a vintage brass inkwell.
Sailor’s Warning ink is packaged in Diamine’s Shimmering ink bottle.

Diamine packages their Sailor’s Warning shimmering ink in its iconic rectangular box, featuring unique artwork specific to the shimmer series. The ink itself is housed in a sturdy, circular, clear 50ml bottle. The cap seals tightly, preventing leaks and ensuring safe storage.

Other Products Used During Our Diamine Sailor’s Warning Ink Review:

Diamine Sailor’s Warning Shimmer Ink Review: 1-Dip Test

A single dip into this enchanting ink provided more than enough to easily write three full lines. And there was still plenty of ink left on the dip pen.

Dry Time: How Fast Did Sailor’s Warning Ink Dry?

Dry time ranged between 10-20 seconds, a respectable speed that makes it suitable for everyday writing without lengthy waiting times.

What Does Sailor’s Warning Base Color Look Like?

Diamine Sailor's Warning base color ink swatch (no shimmer) on Rhodia lined paper alongside some of the ink review tests.
Get a good look at the Diamine Sailor’s Warning ink swatch WITHOUT the shimmer.

Some people love shimmer, but not ALL the time. If you fall in this category, here’s an ink swatch we created just for you showing Diamine Sailor’s Warning shimmer ink’s base color (the ink without its shimmer property) (To access a shimmer ink’s “base” color, just dip your pen or ink your pen without shaking or mixing the ink first).

Water Test Results for Today’s Review:

While this ink writes wet, causing noticeable distortion and fading when exposed to water, it impressively didn’t bleed through the Rhodia paper. The top of our water test lines showed significant distortion, but the bottom held its ground better than expected, maintaining reasonable legibility.

Did We Notice Any Special Properties?

Diamine Sailor's Warning ink swatch with paint brush, eyedropper "drops" ink swatch, and writing sample (with J. Herbin glass dip pen) all on an ink swatch card from our Col-o-ring.
A better look at Sailor’s Warning shimmer ink’s fun side.

Diamine Sailor’s Warning ink features a base of bright red that takes on a deeper, darker tone when the bottle is shaken to mix in the gorgeous silver shimmer. The ink exhibits charming shading properties, ranging from vivid reds to deeper hues, beautifully complemented by consistent shimmer distribution. Above you can see the ink as it shows up on a Col-o-ring ink swatch card in a paint brush ink swatch, eyedropper “drops”, and a writing sample with a J. Herbin glass dip pen.

Was There Any Feathering or Bleeding with Sailor’s Warning Shimmer Ink?

There was no feathering or bleed-through on Rhodia paper, making this shimmering ink a great choice for notebooks and journals alike. If you have a favorite paper or notebook or journal that’s described as a fountain pen friendly option, I’d say it’s safe to let Sailor’s Warning ink come out to play.

Final Thoughts/Conclusion: Sailor’s Warning Ink Review

Diamine Sailor's Warning ink swatches and writing sample on Col-o-ring ink testing card resting on top of a vintage brass inkwell with the Diamine ink bottle in the front to the side.

Diamine Sailor’s Warning is an exciting, community-created ink that delivers a playful yet sophisticated writing experience. Its bright red hue, intensified by silver shimmer and versatile shading, is perfect for adding a captivating flair to any note, letter, or creative project. Just be mindful—it writes a bit wet at the start but settles quickly into a smooth flow.

Ready to set sail on your next ink adventure? Discover Diamine Sailor’s Warning ink and explore our full collection of luxury inks and writing accessories at PenChalet.com!

Is there an ink you’re dying to see reviewed? Please let us know in the comments or reach out—we love hearing from our fellow pen enthusiasts!

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Rebecca Rudd
1 year ago

OH! I just ordered Diamine Shimmer in Moon Dust! I can’t wait to get it! I would love to see a review of Wearingeul’s Frankenstein and Dracula inks!!

Hank Heatly
1 year ago
Reply to  Rebecca Rudd

Me too.

Melissa
1 year ago

What size nibs should I try with the shimmer ink I usually get a fine nib? Thanks

Susan Pace
1 year ago

Love sailor’s warning ink! Would like to see a review of Wearingeul The Great Sage

Judy B
1 year ago

There was a rumor that another company (I won’t name them but their initials are Sailor’s) took issue with Diamine naming an ink their name. Makes sense, especially considering all the hullaballoo about Noodler’s Inks calling colors Apache Sunset, etc, and the name of a penmaker being copyrighted in a continent where neither they nor the filer of the name reside nor manufacture pens, forcing the original company to change its name. Petty? I think so. Mean? Sure. Childish? Absolutely. But Sailor does have a point.

Anita CorrowLeon
1 year ago

I love the shimmer and shine of this gorgeous red. I would like to see a review of Ferris Wheel Press Superman Collection

Issa Gaytan
1 year ago

Each time Diamine gets better and better

Joyce
1 year ago

I would love to see swatches of the new Van Dieman’s Natura Dualis series!

Robert A
2 months ago

Looks awesome – I love it!

More Peanut Butter
2 months ago

It’s a grown-up shade, and a grown-up reference!

Jason
2 months ago

That’s a nice red