Tips about Tipp-Ex (Tipp-Ex Rapid Fluid)

Member Name: Zmugzy

Product:	Tipp-Ex Rapid Fluid
Date:	11/09/09 (110 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hides printed and written typos

Disadvantages: Dries out quickly - not a very environmentally friendly product.

According to Wiki, Tipp-ex fluid was first created by Mick Clay, an inventor from Barnsley. He later sold his invention to a German company. The Tipp-Ex company was founded in 1959, in Frankfurt, Germany, by Otto Carls.

Tipp-Ex is a form of correction fluid or liquid paper as I prefer to call it and has most commonly been used for covering over mistakes in written or printed pieces of work. It was most useful during the type-writing age before the time of desk top computers, electronic printers and spell checkers. However, I still find it useful for various tasks. Nowadays I often use it to dab out old addresses or postage marks when I reuse packaging and envelopes.

Tipp-ex is relatively easy to use although it is not without its problems. After unscrewing the bottle you will find a small brush attached to the underside (sometimes there is a sponge instead of a brush). It's best to let some of the excess fluid drain off the brush by letting it touch the side of the bottle's opening. You can then paint or dab over the typo error with the fluid and leave it to dry - this takes about thirty seconds. Once it has fully dried you can then write over the dried Tipp-ex white patch.

Problems occur because Tipp-ex fluid dries out very quickly and it is therefore essential that you always firmly screw the lid back on the bottle when you have finished using it. I have never finished using a bottle of Tipp-ex before it has dried out. Every time it's used it will dry out slightly and it is difficult to avoid ending up with a bottle of lumpy fluid before too long. You can buy Tipp-ex fluid thinner but like the Tipp-ex itself this until recently contained the solvent 1,1,1-trichloromethane. Tipp-ex is not a very environmentally friendly product.

Tipp-Ex is typically available from department stores and shops such as W.H Smith. I always find some available in my local newsagents. You might get better deals at major supermarkets such as Asda. Tipp-ex is one product that can vary greatly in price so it is worth shopping around. On average I would say an average bottle costs about £2.

Summary: A short review about liquid paper