Iron Gall Ink Test Paper

This test paper has been developed by the Conservation Research Department at the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage/Instituut Collectie Nederland (ICN), in the context of their extensive research into iron gall ink corrosion. Preservation Equipment Ltd is proud to be asked to exclusively market the test paper on behalf of the ICN.

This non-bleeding iron test paper has been developed as a simple and quick method to detect iron (II) ions in hydrophylic substrates. These ions are harmful to organic substrates, such as paper, because they catalyse the oxidative degradation of cellulose and other organic materials. The test paper is non-bleeding, therefore it can be applied to originals. The test paper has been extensively tested in paper conservation. In general a positive reaction of the iron (II) test is a distinct identification of the presence of an iron-gall ink. However, it has to be realised that other inks and colourants, e.g. bistre, may be iron based or contaminated with iron.

Iron (II) ions are water soluble and will migrate into a dampened test paper in contact with the ink. The indicator (bathophenanthroline) forms an intensely red-coloured complex with irons (ii) ions. Instructions are provided with the test papers.