Noah Vinter
Fountain pen inks are water-based and intended for use with fountain pens. They are almost exclusively dye-based and are described as wet or dry, referring to an ink's flow. The wetter an ink is, the more quickly it flows and the more ink is deposited on the paper. Dry ink, on the other hand, doesn't flow as well and is better suited for ordinary copy paper. Alcohol ink, on the other hand, is typically used for dip pens or calligraphy and contains ingredients that can clog or damage fountain pens. Therefore, fountain pen ink and alcohol ink are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Fountain pen ink is water-based. |
| Alcohol-based | No information found. |
| Composition | Fountain pen ink is almost exclusively dye-based. |
| Toxicity | Fountain pen inks contain pigments and anti-fungus treatment and are not safe to drink. |
| Flow | Fountain pen inks are described as "wet" or "dry", referring to how quickly the ink comes out of a nib. |
| Dilution | Fountain pen ink can be diluted with distilled water. |
| Cleanliness | Fountain pens should be cleaned every four to eight weeks to prevent inconsistent ink flow, staining, and clogging. |
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What You'll Learn
Fountain pen inks are almost exclusively dye-based
While dye-based inks are the most common type of fountain pen ink, there are also pigment-based fountain pen inks available. These nanoparticle inks use very finely ground pigments to reduce the chance of clogging. They are favoured by artists who want to create lines that will not be affected by a watercolour wash. However, the free-flowing nature of dye-based inks makes them a more popular choice for fountain pen users.
Fountain pen inks come in a wide range of colours and properties, allowing users to personalize their writing experience. They can be described as ""wet" or "dry", referring to the ink's flow rate and the thickness of the lines produced. Wet inks tend to be smoother and are preferred for pens that require more ink, such as flex or calligraphy pens. On the other hand, dry inks are better suited for ordinary copy paper and offer faster drying times, making them a good option for left-handed writers to prevent smudging.
It is important to use inks specifically designed for fountain pens to maintain the pen's performance and longevity. Inks meant for other types of pens, such as dip pens or calligraphy pens, can contain ingredients that will clog or damage the internal mechanisms of a fountain pen. Additionally, when mixing inks, it is crucial to only combine inks that are compatible to avoid clogging or damage.
Overall, the dye-based nature of fountain pen inks contributes to their smooth flow and ease of use, making them a popular choice for fountain pen enthusiasts seeking a personalized and enjoyable writing experience.
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Alcohol-based inks are not recommended for fountain pens
Fountain pens use water-based ink, which is almost exclusively dye-based. This is because fountain pens operate on the principle of capillary action, and dye-based inks are free-flowing, free of sediment, and non-corrosive.
Fountain pen inks are designed to be free-flowing, with a smooth and reliable output. They are also created with specific purposes in mind, such as shading or dual shading, or for use with calligraphy pens. The wetter an ink is, the more suitable it is for flex or calligraphy pens.
There are a wide variety of fountain pen inks available, with different colours and properties, so it is not necessary to use alcohol-based inks. In addition, some pigmented inks are suitable for fountain pens, but these are nanoparticle inks with very fine pigments to reduce the chance of clogging.
If you want to keep your fountain pen in good condition, it is best to stick to inks that are specifically designed for fountain pens.
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Fountain pen inks can be diluted with water
The amount of water used to dilute the ink depends on the user's needs. It is recommended to begin by transferring the ink to a vial using a syringe or pipette and adding distilled water. A good starting point is a ratio of two parts ink to one part water. The mixture can be tested by dipping a clean fountain pen nib into the solution and writing with it. The user can then experiment with different amounts of water to find their preference. It is important to note that adding more water will make the ink drier.
Mixing inks can be risky as they are chemically complex. Incompatible inks can react to form gases and sediments that can clog or damage a pen. It is recommended to mix a small amount of ink in a vial and let it sit for a couple of days to check for any grit or gunk forming. Mixing inks from the same brand can increase the likelihood of a safe mixture. Some inks, such as De Atramentis Document Inks and Platinum Mixable Inks, are specifically designed to be mixed with other inks from the same line.
Fountain pen inks can be considered "wet" or "dry", referring to the flow of the ink and how quickly it comes out of the nib. Wet inks can feel smoother to write with and can be better suited for pens that require more ink, such as calligraphy pens. Dry inks are better suited for ordinary copy paper and offer faster drying times, making them a good choice for left-handed writers to prevent smudging.
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Inks can be mixed, but only certain types are compatible
Fountain pen inks can vary in terms of their wetness or dryness, which refers to the speed of ink flow from the nib. Wetter inks flow more quickly and produce thicker lines, making them ideal for calligraphy or flex pens. On the other hand, drier inks are better suited for ordinary copy paper and left-handed writers due to their faster drying times and reduced smudging.
Fountain pen inks are typically dye-based and water-based, as opposed to pigment-based, to prevent clogging the pen's narrow passages. While there are pigmented inks suitable for fountain pens, these use very finely ground nanoparticles to reduce the risk of clogging. In addition to water, fountain pen inks may contain additives like polymeric resins, humectants, pH modifiers, anti-foaming agents, biocides, and wetting agents.
Mixing inks can be risky, as inks are chemically complex and incompatible mixtures can react to form gases and sediments that can damage your pen. However, there are some ink lines specifically designed to be mixed with other inks from the same line, such as De Atramentis Document Inks and Platinum Mixable Inks. When mixing inks, it is recommended to start with a small amount in a sample vial and observe any signs of grit or gunk formation, indicating incompatible inks. To increase the likelihood of compatibility, it's best to mix inks from the same brand.
It is important to only use inks specifically designed for fountain pens, as other types of ink, such as those meant for dip pens or calligraphy, can contain ingredients that will clog or damage the internal mechanisms of the pen. Some examples of inks to avoid in fountain pens include India Ink, Lawyer's Ink, and shellac-based calligraphy inks, which must be cleaned with denatured alcohol.
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$13.27
Fountain pen inks are available in a wide range of colours
Fountain pen inks are available in a wide spectrum of colours, allowing users to personalise their writing experience and make everyday writing feel special. There are hundreds, even thousands, of colours to choose from, ranging from standard colours like black, blue, and blue-black to more fun and vibrant colours like purple, turquoise, and green.
The JetPens team recommends starting with standard colours if you're new to fountain pens and gradually experimenting with different shades and colours. This way, you can avoid buying similar-looking inks and build a collection of distinct colours. Some inks, like Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-gao, offer a bright royal blue that's both professional and lively, while Lamy Black provides a unique take on the traditional black ink with its subtle shading and purple undertones. For a more vibrant option, Kaweco Paradise Blue offers a vibrant turquoise shade, and Kaweco Palm Green is considered one of the most underrated green inks available.
In addition to the wide range of colours, fountain pen inks also vary in their "wetness" or "dryness," which refers to the flow of the ink. Wetter inks flow more quickly and produce thicker lines, often providing smoother writing experiences and aesthetic effects like shading. On the other hand, drier inks are better suited for ordinary copy paper and offer faster drying times, making them ideal for left-handed writers to prevent smudging.
Fountain pen inks can sometimes be mixed to create unique colours, but this should be done with caution. Inks are chemically complex, and mixing incompatible inks can result in the formation of gases and sediments that can clog or damage your pen. It's recommended to mix only small amounts of ink from the same brand in a separate vial and test the mixture over a couple of days to ensure compatibility.
With so many colours and types of fountain pen inks available, users can truly customise their writing experience to suit their preferences and creative endeavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Fountain pen ink is a water-based ink intended for use with fountain pens. It is almost exclusively dye-based because fountain pens operate on the principle of capillary action.
Alcohol ink is an alcohol-based ink that may contain components that are insoluble in water.
No, it is not advisable to use alcohol ink in a fountain pen. Alcohol-based ink mixed with water-based ink may cause clogging or damage to your pen.
It is best to stick to inks that are specifically designed for fountain pens. Dye-based inks are the most widely available and are also quite affordable.
You can clean your fountain pen by flushing it with water. If there is a persistent ink stain, you can use some very diluted bleach.
