Iron Gall Ink Test Paper

Developed by the Conservation Research Department at the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage in context of their extensive research into iron gall ink corrosion. This non-bleeding iron test paper has been developed as a simple and quick method to detect iron ions in hydrophilic substrates. These ions are harmful to organic substrates such as paper because they act as a catalyst of 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 test is a distinct identification of the presence of iron gall ink. However, it has to be realized that other inks and colorants, e.g. bistre, may be iron based or contaminated with iron. Iron ions are water-soluable and will migrate into a dampened test paper in contact with the ink. The indicator (bathophenanthroline) forms an intensely red colored complex with ironions. Instructions are provided with the test papers. The iron indicator paper comes in packages of 100 strips each measuring 10 x 75mm.