what is this Liquid layer on top of archival ink?

Question

I had an archival quality black ink for illustration. The label says it's "*waterproof drawing ink*". I didn't use it for years. And today as I opened the bottle, I found the total paint particles have dried up at bottom leaving a watery **almost** transparent liquid on top. That liquid smells strong and works wonders as a glazing liquid. Anybody has any idea what it might be?*p.s. Let me know if this is the wrong forum for this btw. In that case, please forward the question to Arts and Craft section. This is related to design and illustration. Hence posted here.*

Answer 1

You didn’t describe the type of strong smell, so it’s hard to say exactly how your ink was formulated just from this info. It could be some sort of shellac, which was the traditional binder for India-type inks. It has a clear yellowish appearance. Or it could be some sort of acrylic binder, which would have a more milky appearance. But in either case, the odor probably means something contaminated the ink and grew a nice little bacterial soup in the bottle for all those years. When using it I’d be careful not to get any in your eyes.

If you’re looking for another glazing liquid you could try things like liquid gum arabic or an acrylic gloss medium diluted to your liking. You didn’t say what material you’re glazing (I assumed paper or board) but there are many choices based on how waterproof you need it to be. An experienced sales person at an art store could steer you to something one you specify what medium you’re working with on what substrate.

Hope this helps.