First Use Of "Clarity" Watermark Detection Fluid

I recently was in need of some watermark fluid, as I was just not wanting to use lighter fluid anymore.

I stumbled upon the "new" (?) product Clarity, apparently supported by the APS. I ordered one off of ebay, and used it several times this past weekend on my redo of the China collection (thru 1960).

Well, it works! And it works very, very well. Quick image projection and very fast evaporation after (I put the stamps on a paper towel). And there is absolutely no odor!

This product may be old news to the Forum, but not so for me.

Clarity has been around for a long time, and the relative merits vis-a-vis lighter fluid have been discussed around this board. On a very general level I'd say the balance of opinion favors lighter fluid because it is much cheaper and the slower evaporation rate allows the user to detect flaws more effectively. That said, I always used Clarity when I had small children in the house. Today I use both, depending on the need.

Clarity is 3M Novec 7100 Engineered Fluid, a Methoxynonaflorobutane that's typically for industrial use as a replacement for fluorocarbons that have been banned due to ozone depletion and other greenhouse effects. I'm only finding it in 1 gal and up sized containers, and even then at $4-500 per gallon. Anyone have a source that's cheaper than just buying Clarity at $20/100ml ($200/liter, or close to $800/gal).

I only use Clarity but luckily I do not use a lot. I have found other ways to increase dwell time.

Love my Safe Super Safe. Have used Clarity. Like it as well.

I put my Washington Franklins on ice because of my frustration with finding watermarks. Clarity or Ronsonal, it makes no difference to me. I couldn't find a watermark if I tripped over it. That's why I've gone to Machin kiloware.

Jack Kelley

yup -Wash-Franks can be brutal.