Ink smudges – second only to accidental ink spills – are among the great frustrations of fountain pen users, and the problem is even more pronounced for left-handers. It appears this inconvenience has been on Montblanc’s radar for quite some time. Now, the maison has introduced a solution that could finally put an end to the issue – a special paper with fast drying characteristics. (see here)
Found in Montblanc’s new notebooks and labeled “Fast Dry Paper,” the pages appear to be treated in a particular way to provide a smudge-free writing experience. While Montblanc has not disclosed specific details about the technology or treatment behind the paper, users report that the new paper performs remarkably well in practice.
“It’s really fast dry paper!! I lined up four of my frequently used fountain pens from wettest to driest and loaded them all up with Montblanc Amethyst ink. Then I wrote out a sentence with the pen name and wiped right after writing. Nothing smudged on the fast dry paper…I even tried harder to smudge the ink by just writing one letter and wiping it immediately but no smudging at all,” wrote a representative of a pen boutique on their blog.
As noted in the product’s technical specifications, the new fast-dry paper notebooks appear to be slightly heavier than their regular counterparts, weighing approximately 120 grams more. The added weight likely results from the specialized treatment applied to the paper to achieve its quick-drying properties.
The new notebooks are now available through Montblanc and selected authorized retailers, clearly labeled “Fast Dry Paper,” with prices starting at €80. As with any fountain-pen-friendly paper, trying it in person, whenever possible, is the best way to see if it feels right for your writing style.
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