Choosing the right ink for your Parker fountain pen is essential to ensure optimal performance, prevent clogging, and achieve the desired writing experience. The perfect ink can enhance the pen's flow, color, and overall feel. Let's look at some key factors to consider when selecting the best ink for your Parker fountain pen.
Ink Type: Cartridge vs. Bottled
Cartridges are pre-filled, disposable ink containers that conveniently fit into Parker pens. They offer a hassle-free experience, especially for beginners or those on the go. However, before you buy cartridges from any brand to use with your Parker fountain pen, you should ask yourself whether fountain pen ink cartridges are universal. The short answer is no, there is no one universal cartridge size that will fit all fountain pens. Parker, for example, uses proprietary cartridges, which means that the fountain pen model requires ink cartridges from the same brand.
So if you are using cartridges, the best and really the only choice you have is to go with Parker cartridges. Luckily, Parker cartridges come in packs of 5 or 6 depending on your needs and preferences.
One downside of cartridges, despite their ease of use and convenience, is that they are limited in terms of colors and finishes. This is where bottled ink comes in. This option provides more flexibility and customization, as you can fill your pen's converter or reservoir directly from the bottle. Ink bottles are ideal for those who prefer a wider range of inks or want to experiment with different brands and colors.
Since most fountain pens are made to take ink specifically designed for them, you can choose any bottled fountain pen ink brand to pair with your Parker. Which ink you choose will then depend mostly on its properties.
Ink Properties
The characteristics of fountain pen inks give them variety across brands and lines. These include the following:
Viscosity. This refers to the ink's thickness or thinness. A good balance of thickness or thinness in ink is crucial for smooth and consistent flow.
Flow. A well-flowing ink should glide effortlessly from the pen without being too wet or too dry. Excessive wetness can lead to smudging, while dryness can hinder writing.
Dry time. The ink's drying time is crucial for preventing smudging. Some inks dry quickly, while others take longer to set. Consider your writing style and the type of paper you use when choosing an ink with the appropriate dry time.
Ink Color and Shade. Fountain pen inks come in all sorts of different colors. You can choose one that matches your pen’s overall look or perhaps one that simply strikes your fancy.
Finishes and Other Properties. Some inks have a sheen to them, while others have sparkling particles called shimmer. Other inks can also have shading properties, which allow them to go from light to dark or change colors altogether as you write.
Ink Brand and Reputation
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fountain pen ink for your Parker is the brand and reputation of the ink manufacturer. Going with reputable ink manufacturers such as Diamine, Pilot, Sailor, and Robert Oster can give you the best writing experience. Consider other things like customer reviews and the availability of ink samples.
Popular Ink Choices for Parker Fountain Pens
Here are some highly regarded ink options for Parker fountain pens:
Sailor Ink. Renowned for its vibrant colors, smooth flow, and low clogging tendencies. Sailor inks are often praised for their exceptional quality and performance.
Sailor Shikiori Ink Bottle (20ml)
Diamine Ink. This brand provides a vast selection of colors and shades, including many limited-edition offerings. Diamine inks are known for their versatility and affordability, and their regular line is one of the safest inks to use with a vintage Parker fountain pen.
Diamine Shimmer Ink Bottle (50ml)
Robert Oster Ink. Robert Oster is an excellent choice for your Parker fountain pen, known for its vibrant and unique colors, sheening and shimmering textures, and ease of use.
Robert Oster Shake'N'Shimmy Ink Bottle (50ml)
Wearingeul Ink. This line of inks is known not only for its quality but also for being inspired by literary works and figures, making its shades all the more memorable.
Wearingeul Monthly World Literature Ink Bottle (30ml)
Troublemaker Ink. Troublemaker Inks have beautiful shading properties that make writing with your Parker fountain pen a joy.
Troublemaker Shading Inks Ink Bottle (60 ml)
Additional Tips for Ink Care
Observing proper maintenance and care for your fountain pens is essential no matter what ink you use. Here are a few additional tips for ink care:
- Do not forget to clean your pen regularly. This will prevent clogging and ensure your Parker fountain pen performs well. You can opt to flush your pen once every two weeks or whenever you decide to change inks or refill your pen. There are also mild cleaning solutions available for a more thorough cleaning. Regular cleaning helps maintains the pen's writing efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
- Store your pen properly. Keep your pen capped to prevent the ink from drying out when storing it. Storing it in a vertical position can help to prevent ink from seeping out and making a mess.
- Experiment and find your favorites. Don't be afraid to try different inks to discover your personal tastes. There are countless options available, so take the time to explore and find the ones that best suit your writing style and preferences.
The Bottom Line
There are many inks out there, and choosing one for your pen can be daunting. By carefully considering these factors and exploring the wide range of available inks, you can find the perfect match for your Parker fountain pen and further enhance your writing experience.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
