"Our Top 10 Inks"

Position Brand Water ressistant Higlither Color Finish Viscosity (cP) Solvent
1 Indigraph Ink 100% No BLACK Satin 2.050 Ammonia 50%
2 Dr. Ph. Martins Bombay Black india 100% 100% BLACK Matte 2.300 Ammonia 100%
3 Higgins Drawing 100% 50% BLACK Matte 1.683 Ammonia 50%
4 Lefranc Bourgeois Nanking black 100% 100% BLACK Matte 1.867 Ammonia 100%
5 Liquitex Black 100% 100% BLACK Satin 2.067 Ammonia 100%
6 Pelikan 17 100% 50% BLACK Satin 1.700 Ammonia 50%
7 Rohrer Sketch 90% 50% BLACK Satin 2.217 Ammonia 90%
8 Koh i Noor sepia 100% 100% SEPIA Matte 1.867 Ammonia 100%
9 Dr. Ph. martins Bombay Green 100% 100% GREEN Satin 2.367 Ammonia 100%
10 Carbon 70% No BLACK Shiny 1.850 Ammonia 90%
Our ink list

Our ink list

Here you will find a file containing various characteristics of 58 different inks. It is an in-depth document summarizing the main features of the inks: water resistance, performance with highlighters, finish, color, and more.

Key Considerations When Selecting Ink

Water resistance

It's important to consider whether a ink is water-resistant or not. Water resistance can be crucial if you plan to apply additional layers of media over the ink or if you need your work to be durable and unaffected by water contact.

India inks, can often achieve 100% water resistance once fully dried. This makes them ideal for applications where high water resistance is required, such as ink illustration and ink wash techniques.

On the other hand, some water-based inks or conventional writing inks may not be as water-resistant. These inks can smudge or fade when exposed to water, which can be problematic if you need your work to be long-lasting or if you plan to apply additional layers of media over the ink.

Therefore, when choosing an ink, it's important to consider its water resistance according to the needs of your artistic or writing project. If water resistance is crucial for your application, it's advisable to opt for inks known for their high water resistance, such as Chinese inks, or inks specifically designed to be water-resistant.

Highlighter Pen and Alcohol Marker Resistance

If you plan to use highlighters or alcohol-based markers over the ink, it's crucial to choose an ink that is resistant to these materials. This will prevent the ink from smudging or fading when the highlighter or marker is applied, ensuring that your work remains clean and legible

Exploring Ink Color and Black Intensity in India Ink

The choice of ink color is obviously a fundamental consideration and will depend on your personal preferences and the effect you wish to achieve in your work. In addition to the standard black, there is a wide range of colors available in the market.

Within India Ink, the intensity of black can also vary from one brand to another and depending on the specific formulation. Some brands may offer India Ink with an exceptionally deep and rich black tone, which can be highly desirable for various artistic applications such as drawing, illustration, or calligraphy.

Factors influencing the intensity of black in India Ink include the concentration and quality of the black pigment used, as well as the manufacturing process. Some artists and illustrators prefer India Ink with a high black intensity for creating bold and impactful lines, while others may prefer a softer black tone for more subtle shading or layering effects.

As with any artistic medium, the perception of black intensity can also be influenced by the type of paper used and the application technique. Experimenting with different brands and formulations of India Ink can help artists find the one that best suits their artistic vision and preferences.

Ink Finishes: Matte, Glossy, and Special Effects

Ink for fountain pens comes in a wide variety of finishes that can significantly influence the final appearance of your writing or artwork. Here are some considerations about fountain pen ink finishes:

  1. Matte: Inks with a matte finish have an opaque appearance and don't reflect much light. This finish can provide a smooth and understated look to your writing or artwork, ideal for a more subdued or classic style. Matte inks can also offer excellent readability on different types of paper.
  2. Glossy: On the other hand, inks with a glossy finish have a more vivid and reflective appearance, adding a touch of elegance or sophistication to your creations. This finish can highlight the strokes and details of your writing or artwork, especially on high-quality paper.
  3. Special Finishes: Some fountain pen inks come with special finishes, such as metallic or pearlescent. These finishes add a unique and distinctive touch to your work, creating interesting and eye-catching visual effects. Metallic finishes can provide a subtle shine or reflective effect, while pearlescent finishes can add depth and luminosity to your writing or artwork.
  4. Interaction with Light: The type of ink finish can affect how it interacts with light. Matte inks tend to absorb light, while glossy inks and those with special finishes may reflect it more prominently. This can influence the overall appearance of your work, especially when exposed to different lighting conditions.

When choosing fountain pen ink, consider the finish that best suits the style and effect you wish to achieve in your writing or artwork. Whether you prefer a matte finish for a more understated look or a glossy finish for a touch of elegance, there are plenty of options available to explore and experiment with.

Understanding Ink Viscosity: A Key Factor in Writing and Artistic Expression

India inks tend to be naturally more viscous compared to other types of inks used in writing and art. This distinctive characteristic can significantly influence the writing experience and artistic application. Here are some considerations regarding the viscosity of India inks:

  1. Flow and Application: Due to their higher viscosity, India inks can flow more controlled and consistently on paper. This can result in more uniform and defined strokes, which is especially beneficial for calligraphy and detailed drawing.
  2. Coverage and Saturation: The high viscosity of India inks allows them to provide denser coverage and more intense color saturation on paper. This is particularly useful for achieving bold and expressive strokes in artwork, as well as highlighting details in illustrations and designs.
  3. Compatibility with Writing Instruments: The Indigraph pen is known for its ability to effectively use this type of thicker ink. However, it's essential to note that some nibs may become clogged more easily with thicker inks, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
  4. Adhesion and Durability: India inks, due to their higher viscosity, tend to adhere well to paper once applied, resulting in greater durability and resistance to smudging or wear. This makes them ideal for documents or artwork that require long-term longevity and preservation.

In summary, while India inks are known for their higher viscosity, this characteristic offers unique advantages in terms of control, coverage, and durability in writing and art. However, it's essential to consider how this viscosity may affect compatibility with writing instruments and adjust the creative process accordingly.

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