Why Ink Choice Matters
The right ink transforms your writing experience. Beyond just color, fountain pen inks affect flow, dry time, permanence, and even the feel of your pen on paper. Whether you're journaling, signing documents, or creating art, understanding ink properties helps you find the perfect match for your needs.
For Writers
Fast-drying, well-behaved inks that won't smear or feather on everyday paper.
For Artists
Inks with beautiful shading, sheening, and shimmer effects for creative expression.
For Professionals
Archival, waterproof inks that stand the test of time for important documents.
Understanding Ink Properties
Every fountain pen ink has unique characteristics that affect how it writes and looks. Here's what to consider when choosing your ink.
Saturation
How intense and vivid the color appears on paper. High saturation inks produce bold, rich colors while low saturation creates softer, more subtle tones. Premium inks like Pilot Iroshizuku are known for excellent saturation.
Shading
The variation in color intensity within a single stroke. Inks with good shading show lighter tones on upstrokes and darker pools where ink collects. This adds character and dimension to your writing.
Sheening
A secondary color that appears as a metallic sheen when ink pools on the page. For example, a blue ink might show red or gold sheen. Sheening is most visible on smooth, coated papers.
Shimmer
Tiny metallic particles suspended in the ink that create a sparkling effect. Shimmer inks require more maintenance as particles can settle, but they create stunning visual effects.
Flow
How freely the ink moves from pen to paper. Wet inks flow easily and can make writing smoother, while dry inks are more controlled but may feel scratchy. Flow affects line width too.
Dry Time
How long ink takes to dry on paper. Fast-drying inks prevent smearing, which is essential for left-handed writers or those using glossy paper. Dry time varies significantly between brands.
Water Resistance
How well the ink survives exposure to water after drying. Ranges from completely water-soluble to fully waterproof. Noodler's Black is famous for its bulletproof waterproofing.
Lubrication
How smoothly the ink allows the nib to glide across paper. Well-lubricated inks feel silky and pleasant, while poorly lubricated inks can feel dry or scratchy even with a smooth nib.
Types of Fountain Pen Ink
Understanding different ink formulations helps you choose the right ink for your specific needs and ensures compatibility with your pens.
Dye-Based Inks
Most CommonThe standard for fountain pen inks. Dye-based inks dissolve completely in water, producing vibrant colors and excellent flow. They're safe for all fountain pens and easy to clean. Most inks from brands like Pilot Iroshizuku, Diamine, and Waterman fall into this category.
- Pros: Wide color range, easy to clean, safe for all pens
- Cons: Usually not waterproof, can fade over time
- Best for: Daily writing, journaling, correspondence
Pigmented Inks
ArchivalContains tiny solid particles suspended in liquid. These inks are highly permanent and waterproof once dry. They require more careful pen maintenance as particles can clog feeds if the pen sits unused. Brands like Sailor and Platinum offer pigmented lines.
- Pros: Waterproof, fade-resistant, archival quality
- Cons: Can clog pens, requires regular cleaning
- Best for: Legal documents, artwork, archival purposes
Iron Gall Inks
TraditionalA historic formula that darkens after application through oxidation. These inks start lighter and develop their full color over hours or days. They're semi-permanent and water-resistant. Modern versions are safer for fountain pens than historical formulas.
- Pros: Water-resistant, unique color development, traditional feel
- Cons: Can be corrosive, requires regular cleaning
- Best for: Traditional writing, documents needing some permanence
Bulletproof & Eternal Inks
Maximum PermanenceNoodler's Bulletproof inks bond to cellulose fibers in paper, making them resistant to water, UV light, and even chemical removal. 54th Massachusetts is a popular choice for a professional blue-black that's truly permanent.
- Pros: Extremely permanent, fraud-resistant
- Cons: Limited color range, can stain pens
- Best for: Legal documents, checks, archival records
Ink Color Guide
Each color family has its own characteristics and uses. Here's what to consider for popular ink colors.
Blue
The classic choice for everyday writing. Blue inks range from bright cyan to deep navy. They're professional enough for business use yet expressive for personal writing. Pilot Kon-Peki is a beloved bright turquoise, while Asa-Gao offers a richer purple-blue.
Black
Essential for formal documents and professional use. Great blacks are truly dark without appearing washed out. Noodler's Black is the gold standard for waterproof black, while Waterman Intense Black offers smooth, reliable performance.
Brown
Warm and nostalgic, brown inks evoke vintage correspondence. They range from light tan to deep chocolate. Pilot Yama-Guri (Wild Chestnut) is a sophisticated dark brown with excellent shading properties.
Green
From forest greens to bright teals, green inks offer a distinctive alternative to blue. They're great for editing, annotation, or standing out from standard correspondence. Diamine offers excellent greens in their standard and shimmer lines.
Red & Burgundy
Perfect for editing, grading, or adding emphasis. Deep burgundies and oxbloods are more subtle for everyday writing. Diamine Oxblood is a community favorite for its sophisticated deep red-brown tone.
Purple
From soft lavenders to deep violets, purple inks add personality while remaining readable. Pilot Ku-Jaku (Peacock) straddles the line between blue and green with purple undertones, creating stunning shading.
Top Ink Recommendations
Our curated picks for the best fountain pen inks across different categories and price points.
Premium Picks
For those who want the best ink experience with exceptional quality and beautiful bottles.
Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-Peki
A stunning deep cerulean blue that's become legendary in the fountain pen community. Excellent flow, beautiful shading, and impeccable behavior on most papers. The hand-blown glass bottle is a work of art.
- Color: Bright turquoise blue
- Size: 50ml
- Properties: Excellent shading, well-behaved
Pilot Iroshizuku Asa-Gao
Named after the morning glory flower, this deep blue with purple undertones is perfect for those who want something deeper than Kon-Peki. Exceptional shading and reliable performance.
- Color: Deep purplish blue
- Size: 50ml
- Properties: Strong shading, saturated
Pilot Iroshizuku Ku-Jaku
Peacock-inspired blue-green with remarkable depth and complexity. One of the most interesting inks for shading enthusiasts, showing different colors depending on how much ink is laid down.
- Color: Blue-green teal
- Size: 50ml
- Properties: Complex shading, unique hue
Best Value
Excellent inks that deliver quality without breaking the bank.
Diamine 2-Pack: Oxblood & Majestic Blue
Get two of Diamine's most popular colors in one affordable package. Oxblood is a sophisticated deep red-brown, while Majestic Blue offers a rich, professional blue. Both have excellent shading.
- Colors: Deep red-brown, Royal blue
- Size: 2 x 80ml bottles
- Properties: Great shading, affordable
Diamine 6-Color Wheel Set
An excellent starter collection with six colors: Writers Blood, Sepia, Imperial Purple, Midnight, Hope Pink, and Ultra Green. Perfect for discovering which colors suit your style.
- Colors: 6 assorted colors
- Size: 6 x 30ml bottles
- Properties: Variety, quality inks
Waterman Intense Black
A benchmark black ink that's been trusted for decades. Smooth flow, quick drying, and well-behaved on almost any paper. The safe choice that never disappoints.
- Color: True black
- Size: 50ml
- Properties: Reliable, quick dry
For Permanence
Waterproof and archival inks for important documents and legal use.
Noodler's Black
The definitive waterproof black ink. Bonds permanently to paper cellulose, resisting water, UV light, and even chemical removal attempts. The choice for documents that must endure.
- Color: Deep black
- Size: 3oz (90ml)
- Properties: Waterproof, fraud-resistant
Noodler's 54th Massachusetts
A distinguished blue-black with bulletproof permanence. Professional appearance suitable for business use while offering the security of being completely permanent once dry.
- Color: Blue-black
- Size: 3oz (90ml)
- Properties: Waterproof, professional
Ink Care & Maintenance
Proper care extends the life of both your inks and your pens. Follow these guidelines for the best results.
Storage Tips
- Keep bottles tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and contamination
- Store in a cool, dark place - heat and light can degrade ink over time
- Avoid temperature extremes - freezing or excessive heat damages ink
- Store upright to prevent leaks and staining of labels
- Use clean tools - never dip a dirty pen into your ink bottle
Pen Cleaning
- Clean when changing colors to prevent mixing and muddying
- Flush with room temperature water until it runs clear
- Use pen flush for stubborn inks - Monteverde Pen Flush works great
- Clean monthly for regular use or if the pen sits unused for weeks
- Never use hot water - it can damage feeds and seals
Ink Shelf Life
- Unopened bottles last years when stored properly
- Opened bottles typically last 2-3 years with good care
- Watch for mold growth - appears as floating particles or film
- Smell test - rancid odors indicate contamination
- Separation is normal for shimmer inks - just shake gently
Troubleshooting
- Hard starts? The ink may be too dry - try a wetter ink or clean your pen
- Skipping? Could be clogged feed - flush thoroughly with pen flush
- Feathering? Paper quality matters - try fountain pen-friendly paper
- Slow drying? Some inks are naturally slow - consider faster-drying alternatives
- Stained pen? Some inks stain - it's cosmetic and doesn't affect performance
Recommended Cleaning Supplies
Monteverde Pen Flush
Industry-standard pen flush that removes stubborn ink buildup. The 8oz bottle provides months of cleaning power. Essential for maintaining pens used with permanent or pigmented inks.
See on AmazonUltimate Fountain Pen Flush
Concentrated formula that delivers over 100 uses per kit. Comes with a uniquely shaped applicator that protects your nib during cleaning. Great for deep cleaning.
See on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different fountain pen inks?
While some enthusiasts experiment with mixing, it's generally not recommended. Different ink formulations can react unpredictably, potentially clogging your pen or creating unstable mixtures. If you want to try, test small amounts outside your pen first and never mix inks from vastly different categories (like pigmented with shimmer).
Are fountain pen inks safe for all pens?
Standard dye-based inks from reputable brands are safe for all fountain pens. However, pigmented inks, iron gall inks, and some specialty inks require more frequent cleaning and may not be suitable for all pens. Always check the ink manufacturer's recommendations and your pen's care guidelines.
Why does my ink look different on different papers?
Paper significantly affects ink appearance. Absorbent papers show less shading and sheen, while coated papers display these properties beautifully but take longer to dry. The same ink can look dramatically different depending on paper coating, texture, and color.
How long does fountain pen ink take to dry?
Drying time varies from 5 seconds to over a minute depending on the ink, paper, humidity, and how much ink your pen lays down. Waterproof and pigmented inks often dry faster than standard dye-based inks. Quick-dry inks are available for those who need faster drying times.
Can I use calligraphy ink in my fountain pen?
No! Traditional calligraphy inks, India ink, and acrylic inks will permanently clog and potentially destroy your fountain pen. These inks are designed for dip pens and contain shellac or other binders that don't wash out. Only use inks specifically labeled for fountain pens.
Why is my ink growing mold?
Mold grows when contaminants enter your ink bottle, usually from dirty pens or unclean filling practices. Always clean your pen before filling, never touch the ink with dirty implements, and keep bottles tightly sealed. If mold appears, dispose of the ink and thoroughly clean any pens that used it.
Quick Reference Guide
| Ink | Color | Shading | Waterproof | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Kon-Peki | Turquoise Blue | Excellent | No | Daily writing, Journaling |
| Pilot Asa-Gao | Purple Blue | Excellent | No | Correspondence, Notes |
| Noodler's Black | Black | Low | Yes | Legal documents, Archives |
| Waterman Black | Black | Low | No | Everyday use, Beginners |
| Diamine Oxblood | Deep Red-Brown | Good | No | Creative writing, Letters |
| Pilot Yama-Guri | Dark Brown | Excellent | No | Journaling, Vintage look |