Mix Fountain Pen Inks: Dos and Don’ts to Stay Out of Trouble

Fountain pens are unique and personal writing instruments that require careful consideration in choosing the right ink colors and types. Fortunately, mixing fountain pen inks is possible and offers a lot of benefits such as customization and cost savings. However, there are a few dos and don’ts that you need to keep in mind.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know starting to mix fountain pen inks.

Understanding Fountain Pen Inks

Before we dive into mixing inks, it’s essential to understand the components of fountain pen inks. Generally, fountain pen inks are made up of three components – pigment, binder, and solvent.

The pigment is the component that gives the ink its color. It could be organic or inorganic, and it’s essential to mention that some pigments are more archival than others. Organic pigments are derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals. Inorganic pigments are made from synthetic materials and are more stable than organic pigments.

The binder is a substance that holds the pigment together. It could be natural, like gum arabic, or synthetic, like polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The binder is essential because it ensures that the pigment adheres to the paper and does not smudge or smear.

Finally, the solvent dissolves the pigment and binder to create a solution that flows through the pen.

Types of Fountain Pen Inks

There are various types of fountain pen inks available, each with its unique properties. Dye-based inks are the most common and are water-soluble. They are easy to clean and come in a wide range of colors. However, they are not as permanent as other types of inks and may fade over time. Pigment-based inks are waterproof and more permanent, especially if they use high-quality pigments. They are ideal for use in legal documents, archival papers, and other documents that require long-term preservation. Iron gall inks are made up of iron salts and tannic acid, and they are commonly used for calligraphy. They produce a unique shade of blue-black that is highly sought after by calligraphers.

How Inks Behave on Paper

The type of paper used can also affect how an ink performs. Some inks behave differently depending on the surface, such as glossy or porous paper. The shading, saturation, and sheen are all unique qualities of different inks, making them suitable for different writing styles and preferences.

Some inks produce a high degree of shading, which means that the color varies in intensity depending on the pressure applied to the pen. Other inks produce a high degree of saturation, which means that the color is consistent regardless of the pressure applied to the pen. Sheen is a unique property of some inks that produces a shiny or metallic effect on the paper.

When choosing an ink, it is essential to consider how it will behave on the paper and whether it meets your specific requirements. Some inks are better suited for everyday writing, while others are ideal for special occasions or specific applications.

Benefits of Mixing Fountain Pen Inks

Mixing inks can create a wide range of custom colors, unique hues, and effects that aren’t available in pre-made bottles. It also allows you to use up leftover inks rather than throwing them away, saving you money over time. Here are some of the benefits of exploring how to mix fountain pen inks:

Customizing Colors

Mixing inks allows you to create custom colors that match your personal preferences or the theme of a project. You can experiment by mixing as few or as many colors as you want to achieve a specific hue.

For instance, if you want to create a color that matches the blue of the ocean, you can mix blue, green, and a touch of black ink to achieve the perfect shade. Similarly, if you want to create a color that resembles the sunset, you can mix red, yellow, and orange ink to get a unique and beautiful hue.

Achieving Unique Effects

You can also create unique effects by mixing certain inks or adding different concentrations of ink. For example, mixing a shimmering ink with a matte ink can create a metallic or glittery effect. Additionally, you can create an ombre effect by mixing two colors together and gradually increasing or decreasing the concentration of one color.

Saving Money by Using Leftover Inks

If you have leftover inks that you don’t like, mixing them with other inks can give you a new and exciting color that you’ll enjoy using. This allows you to save money that you would have otherwise spent on new and separate bottles of ink. Moreover, mixing inks can also help you use up the last few drops of ink in a bottle, which would otherwise go to waste.

Mixing inks can also be a fun and creative activity that can help you unwind after a long day. You can experiment with different color combinations and effects to create unique and personalized inks that reflect your personality and style. Mixing inks can also be a great way to bond with other fountain pen enthusiasts and compare notes on different ink combinations and effects.

Overall, mixing fountain pen inks can be a fun, cost-effective, and creative way to customize your writing experience and express your individuality. So, the next time you have some leftover ink or want to create a unique color or effect, don’t hesitate to mix your fountain pen inks and see what beautiful creations you can come up with!

Precautions Before Mixing Inks

As much as mixing fountain pen inks can be exciting, there are precautions to take before you start. Failure to follow them could lead to clogged pens, contamination, or even ruined inks.

Researching Ink Compatibility

It’s essential to research before mixing any inks, especially if you’re unsure about their compatibility. Some inks are not compatible and could clump or produce an unwanted reaction that could ruin both inks or even damage your pen.

When researching ink compatibility, you should take note of the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some ink manufacturers will provide information on their website about which inks are compatible with each other. You can also check online forums and social media groups for advice from experienced fountain pen users.

Testing Inks in Small Batches

Test each ink combination in small batches before committing to the final product. This way, you can assess how the new color or effect looks on paper and gauge its compatibility with your pen.

When testing ink combinations, you should use a pen that you don’t mind sacrificing for the sake of experimentation. You can also use a glass dropper or pipette to mix the inks instead of using a pen converter. This will help you avoid contaminating your ink bottles with other colors or particles that may be in your pen.

Avoiding Contamination

Contamination is a serious issue when it comes to mixing fountain pen inks. Ensure that your hands, utensils, and surfaces are clean before you start, and use separate containers for each ink that you intend to mix. You should also avoid mixing ink from a pen that you suspect has ink residue from another color.

Before mixing inks, it’s a good idea to clean your pen thoroughly. You can do this by flushing it with water or using a pen cleaner. You should also avoid using your fingers to mix the inks, as this can introduce oils and dirt into the mixture. Instead, use a clean glass dropper or pipette to transfer the ink from one container to another.

By following these precautions, you can enjoy the process of mixing fountain pen inks without worrying about damaging your pens or ruining your inks. Mixing inks can be a fun way to create unique colors and effects, but it’s important to do so safely and responsibly.

Dos of Mixing Fountain Pen Inks

Mixing fountain pen inks can be a fun and creative way to experiment with different colors and effects. However, it’s important to follow some dos and don’ts to ensure that your inks mix well and your pen stays in good condition.

Using Compatible Inks

The first and most important do of mixing fountain pen inks is to use compatible inks. Stick to inks that are known to work together, or carry out research beforehand. Generally, pigmented and dye-based inks can mix without issues. However, iron gall inks and some other types of inks need more attention.

Pigmented inks contain solid particles that can settle at the bottom of the ink bottle or pen reservoir. If these particles clog your pen’s feed or nib, it can affect the ink flow and cause skipping or blotting. Dye-based inks, on the other hand, are more fluid and mix easily with other colors. They are less likely to cause clogging or other problems.

Mixing Inks in a Separate Container

It’s essential to mix inks in separate containers rather than directly on your pen. This avoids contaminating your pen with unwanted particles that could clog the nib or feed. You can use a small glass vial, a plastic pipette, or a disposable plastic cup to mix your inks. Make sure that the container is clean and dry before you start mixing.

You can mix different amounts of each ink to achieve the desired shade or color. Start with a small amount of ink and add more as needed. Mix the inks thoroughly with a toothpick or a small brush, making sure that there are no lumps or clumps. You can test the color on a scrap piece of paper before filling your pen.

Recording Your Ink Recipes

Writing down your ink recipes in a notebook or on your computer can help you recreate a specific color or effect in the future. This way, you won’t forget how you made your favorite color or struggle to replicate it in the future. You can also share your recipes with other fountain pen enthusiasts online or in person.

Keep track of the ink brands, colors, and amounts you used, as well as the order in which you mixed them. You can also note down any observations or comments about the ink properties, such as shading, sheen, or water resistance.

Cleaning Your Pen Thoroughly

Finally, always clean your pen thoroughly after using mixed inks. Clean it with plain water first, then with a pen flush solution that’s recommended by the pen manufacturer. This ensures that no residue remains in the pen, which could react with other inks and ruin them or damage your pen.

You can also disassemble your pen and clean each part separately with a soft cloth or a brush. Pay attention to the nib and feed, which can accumulate ink residue and debris. Make sure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling your pen and filling it with ink.

By following these dos of how to mix fountain pen inks, you can enjoy a world of colorful and creative writing without compromising your pen’s performance or longevity.

Conclusion

Learning how to mix fountain pen inks can lead to a world of personalized and unique colors that you can’t find in pre-made inks. However, it’s essential to follow the dos and don’ts and take the necessary precautions before and after mixing inks. Whether you’re doing it for cost savings, customization or to achieve a unique effect, be sure to clean your pen thoroughly afterward and record your recipes so you can recreate your favorite colors time and time again. Happy mixing!

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.