Robert Oster Viola Ink is one of 70 plus fantastic ink colors offered by Australian ink company Robert Oster. Each color is based upon a color found in the land down under. Viola is one such color on the Australian pallet.

Robert Oster Viola Ink Bottle

Viola Hederacea, also known as Viola Banksii, is a native flower found through the Victoria and Tasmania region of Australia. This light purple flower with white border is a beautiful color. Robert Oster has translated this color into their Viola Ink. The ink is a low saturated ink of light purple with pink hues. Also we found some blue sheening characteristics.

The Viala ink is not a true vibrant or deep purple color, but more of a light muted purple. We found the color similar to Rohrer & Klingner Scabiosa ink or Noodler’s Mata Hari’s Cordial ink. The uniqueness of Robert Oster Viola Ink color comes in its distinctive shading and sheening abilities.

Continuing reading for a chance to win the bottle of Robert Oster Viola Ink we used for this review.

Robert Oster Viola Ink

We found the following characteristics while testing Robert Oster Viola Ink that you may find useful:

Testing Factors

We used Rhodia Bloc paper with a Franklin Christoph Model #31 fountain pen with a medium nib for this review.

Bottle Sizes

As with all Robert Oster ink bottles, Viola Ink comes in a simple clear plastic 50 ml. bottle. Although not flashy, the bottle serves its purpose and is environmentally friendly. Its best characteristic is the small blot of the actual ink on the top of the cap. This allows you to easily see the color before ever writing with the ink.

Cost

Robert Oster Viola Ink retails for $16.00 for 50 ml. bottle. We would classify it as a mid ranged priced ink. A reasonable price a handmade, imported Australian ink in the 30 ml. bottle size.

Dry Time

Using the medium nib Franklin Christoph fountain pen we found a dry time of approximately 10 seconds. The dry time was cut in half when using a fine tip glass dip pen to around 4-5 seconds.

Bleed Through

Surprisingly, Robert Oster Viola Ink had a small amount of bleeding using the medium nib fountain pen. This was very minimal and only visible at the wettest points. It should be noted that we dipped the fountain pen, so our sample contained more ink than a normal converter filled fountain pen would place on paper. Under normal use we do not expect any perceptible bleeding.

Feathering

Or sample writing with the Robert Oster Viola Ink experienced no feathering when using a medium nib fountain pen on Rhodia paper. Even during the water test the lines stayed together without much distortion or feathering.

Water Test

To test the water resistance of the ink we we run a wet cotton swab over the dried Robert Oster Viola Ink. We were able to produce very minimal line distortion, feathering or color smearing. Although not waterproof, it held up very well under this test and the ink is considered water resistant.

Shading

Robert Oster Viola Ink will produce some fantastic shading with its purple to pink and slight blue sheening. To achieve the best shading and sheening results we recommend a wider nib. We noticed more as the ink pools.

Conclusion about the Robert Oster Viola Ink

Robert Oster Viola Ink is a unique muted light purple color. The ink has great shading and some sheening characteristics. The ink has a reasonable dry time, performed well under the water test for a mid-range priced ink. Robert Oster Viola Ink would work well for journal, letter or note taking using. Happy Writing!

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