Vinta - Azure Maharlika

Vinta Inks - Azure Maharlika - Ink drop

Azure (Maharlika 7107) is from Vinta Inks’ Sheening series. Vinta definitely knows how to make a heavy sheener! They often name their inks based on aspects of color and Philippine culture. In describing this ink, Vinta’s website says; “the azure color with pink accents evokes images of the dusk in the Philippines, as the sun sets over its 7,107 islands.” Azure, of course, refers to the ink’s deep blue color, and maharlika means “nobility” in Tagalog. Maharlika are the leaders of communities. This is a complex name for a complex ink.

Vinta Inks - Azure Maharlika - Light to Dark Shades

Visually, this ink is a dance of color and shine. It’s beautiful, but it can quickly feel overwhelming at the same time. The base color is a gorgeous, deep, pure pacific blue. There isn’t much shading, but when it shades, it’s this blue that appears. This is a low-viscosity, almost oily ink, which promotes high sheen, but low shading. A brilliant cinnamon pink sheen completely dominates on premium papers. In the right situation, it’s a beautiful combination.

Vinta Inks - Azure Maharlika - Ink Swatch Card

As a writing ink, there’s a lot to like. Stroke profiles were crisp and clean on premium papers, and fairly sharp on office copy, too. On premium papers, sheen covered the majority or full length of each stroke. On office copy, sheen reduced to a small pink halo, and the ink’s deepest blues were consistent, showing little shading. Drying times were 20-30 seconds on premiums, and 5-10 seconds on office copy. One warning: as you can see in the swatch card above, this ink likes to smear. You really need to be careful and ensure it’s completely dry.

If you’re looking for a super-sheening blue, it’s hard to imagine needing more than this ink offers! It’s definitely not an everyday ink, but this is one magical, special occasion blue! Enjoy!