Diving into the world of fountain pens, inks, and supplies for the first time can feel a bit like stepping into uncharted territory. But it’s not as complex as it seems! You might wonder, “Does the ink really matter? Is there a difference between brands? How do I choose the best inks for fountain pens?”
But here’s the kicker — the ink you choose can turn your writing experience from meh to wow! With a ton of choices out there, picking the right ink might seem like finding a needle in a haystack.
But don’t sweat it. That’s why I’m here, to break it down for you, make it simple, and walk you through choosing the best fountain pen inks for your needs.
Fountain pen inks 101
Think of fountain pen inks like a magic potion. Yea, let’s really nerd out here. Mostly, they’re made of two magical elements — pigment (the color wizard) and a solvent (the flow master).
Put these two together, and you get an ink that glides from the pen’s reservoir down to the nib and onto your paper, creating smooth, even lines of color. But not all potions, ahem, inks are the same. The mix of pigment and solvent can vary, and that’s what defines how the ink behaves on paper.
The pigment gives the ink its color, while the solvent makes sure the ink flows smoothly from the pen’s reservoir to the nib, kind of like a slide at a water park.
Solvents can vary. Some inks use water (which dries up quicker), while others use alcohol-based solutions that take their sweet time to dry and may have a knack for feathering or bleeding through paper. Some inks also have other bits and bobs added, like preservatives, to keep the ink fresh for longer.
Here’s a look at what goes into fountain pen ink:
Ink Types: Dye-Based vs. Pigment-Based
The world of fountain pen inks is primarily divided into two camps — dye-based and pigment-based. Dye-based inks use soluble dyes, giving you colors that pop off the page. They are like the life of the party: bright and fun, but they might not stick around for long if water crashes the party.
Pigment-based inks, on the other hand, are the introverts of the ink world. They stick to the paper’s surface and don’t run when water shows up. While they’re great at lasting long, their colors are a bit more muted and not as showy as dye-based inks.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why can’t I have both vibrant colors and water-resistance?” Well, you can! Some inks are hybrids. Hybrid inks are the jack-of-all-trades. They’ve got the best of both worlds, mixing the best bits of dye-based and pigment-based inks. This means you can have bright, vibrant colors that also stick around for the long haul.
Ink Additives: Little Helpers
In the ink world, additives are the backstage crew. They might not be the stars of the show, but they sure do make a difference.
Surfactants are the peacekeepers — they lower the surface tension of the ink, helping it spread better across the paper. Lubricants are the slick operators that reduce the nib’s friction against the paper, ensuring a smooth glide and preventing clogging.
Biocides are the ink’s bodyguards, stopping bacteria and fungi from spoiling the ink. pH buffers keep the ink’s pH level balanced, preventing it from being too acidic or alkaline. And lastly, UV inhibitors are the sunscreen for your ink, keeping it from fading in sunlight.
Sounds like a lot, I know.
The reality is, you don’t really need to worry about this stuff. But it’s just good to know as you get into exploring the best ink for fountain pens and what you may like.
Choosing the right ink for your needs
When it comes to choosing the best ink for fountain pens, it’s all about what YOU need. If you love bold, vibrant colors and don’t mind the ink running a little when exposed to water, dye-based inks are your buddies.
But if you’re the ‘slow and steady wins the race kind and prefer longevity over flashy colors, pigment-based inks are the way to go.
I totally get it.
Trust me, picking the right ink can massively uplift your writing experience. Knowing about how inks interact with pens, paper, and notebooks can save you from a writing disaster (think bleeding ink and frustration from spending money on the wrong stuff).
But at the end of the day, the pens, notebooks, and inks you choose are about what speaks to you — no one else. So use these tips to help guide you. But at the end of the day, play around, experiment, and pick what you love.
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Get The FREE CheatsheetChoosing Your Perfect Ink
When you’re hunting for the perfect ink, think about what you need it for. Are you an analog note-taker, or do you use your fountain pen for sketching or calligraphy?
Each of these requires a different ink.
- Note-Takers: If you’re jotting down notes, you might want an ink that dries quickly to avoid smudging. A water-based, dye-based ink would be ideal for this.
- Artists and Calligraphers: If you’re using your fountain pen for artwork or calligraphy, you might want an ink that stands the test of time. A pigment-based ink is less likely to fade, and it’s water-resistant, so your work won’t run if it gets wet.
- Daily Writing and Correspondence: If you’re using your pen for regular writing, you might want an ink that provides a smooth writing experience and has a color you love. The best option would be a hybrid ink with both dye-based and pigment-based properties.
Also, consider the color and shade of the ink. Fountain pen inks come in a dazzling array of colors, from the deepest black to the most vibrant reds, blues, and greens, as well as unique shades like burgundy, olive, teal, and lavender. Some inks even have shimmering particles that give your writing a touch of sparkle! (These are my favorites).
Knowing Your Brands
Each ink brand offers something unique. Let’s look at a few:
Pilot Iroshizuku inks combine functionality and elegance with many of the colors evoking the natural beauty of Japan.
Pilot Iroshizuku: This Japanese brand is renowned for its stunning, nature-inspired colors. These inks are known to be well-behaved, meaning they flow smoothly, don’t clog, and dry reasonably fast. With a choice of colors like “Yama-budo” (Crimson Glory Vine), “Kon-peki” (Deep Cerulean Blue), and “Tsuki-yo” (Moonlight), this brand offers a vibrant palette.
Diamine Oxblood has long been a favorite of pen and calligraphy enthusiasts for its vibrant color and all natural-dyes.
Diamine: Originating from the UK, Diamine offers an impressive range of colors at an affordable price point. Their inks have excellent performance and consistency. With their “Shimmertastic” collection, you can bring a sparkle to your writing.
J. Herbin makes beautiful inks that also come in beautiful bottles (keep them for display). I love how this blue-green shimmer ink looks on the page.
J. Herbin: One of the oldest names in the industry, the French brand J. Herbin is known for its range of smooth-flowing inks. They offer a wide variety of colors, including the famous 1670 and 1798 series that feature beautiful shimmering inks. My current favorite ink (shown above) is a J. Herbin.
Pelikan offers pen enthusiasts a range of inks for every budget while still maintaining high quality and brilliant shine.
Pelikan: Pelikan, a German brand, is known for its luxury Edelstein ink line. Their inks are rich, vibrant, and smooth-flowing. The colors are inspired by gemstones, and each bottle is a piece of art in itself. Pelikan also has some more affordable options in its 4001 line of inks.
Waterman ink is well-regarded for quick drying time, reducing the risk of smudging, which is particularly beneficial for left-handed writers.
Waterman: Waterman is a respected brand in the world of fountain pens, and their inks are no exception to the high-quality products they offer. Waterman inks are produced in France and are known for their superior performance and extensive range of vivid colors.
FAQs about selecting the best fountain pen inks
How long does fountain pen ink last?
A bottle of ink’s lifespan can depend on several factors, including how frequently you write, how broad or wet your nib is, and the capacity of your pen’s ink reservoir. However, on average, a 50ml bottle of ink could last you several months or even over a year.
Can I mix different brands of ink?
Generally, it is not recommended to mix inks from different manufacturers as it can cause issues like clogging due to chemical reactions between different ink formulas. If you want to mix inks, do it in a small separate container and let it sit for a few days to see if there are any adverse reactions before putting it in your pen.
Do fountain pen inks expire?
Generally, fountain pen inks do not have a set expiration date. If stored properly, a bottle of ink can last for several years. However, if the ink shows signs of mold or has a foul smell, it’s best to discard it.
How should I store my fountain pen ink?
Keep your ink in a cool, dark place, away from extreme temperatures or sunlight. Always ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent the ink from drying out.
Can I use any brand of ink with my fountain pen?
Yes, generally you can use any brand of fountain pen ink in any fountain pen. However, always make sure it’s specifically designated as ‘fountain pen ink.’ Other types of ink, such as calligraphy or India ink, can damage your pen.
Explore the world of inks
Ultimately, discovering your ideal fountain pen ink is an individual adventure that adds to the delight of using fountain pens. With a dash of understanding and a spirit of exploration, you’ll soon uncover the perfect ink that elevates your writing and brings you a lot of joy.
So, venture boldly into this vibrant universe of hues and imagination with your nib at the ready!
Liz
Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
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