Inks are like a fountain pen lover’s playground. It makes the writing hobby so much more fun because of the sheer number of options available. From blues and reds to more neutral blacks and greys, there will always be a new fountain pen color to try out. There are also different types of ink textures that you can use to make your writing stand out. We’ve covered shimmering and sheening inks on this blog in the past, but there is another, more underrated type of fountain pen ink that is just as interesting and beautiful on paper: shading inks.
What are shading fountain pen inks?
If shimmering inks glitter and sheening inks glisten, then what do shading inks look like? As the name suggests, these fountain pen inks create various shades of the same color depending on how the ink pools and settles on the paper. The variations of line wetness you create as you write create the different shades you see as the ink dries. For instance, you can have a light blue ink with deeper shading on some strokes.
Of course, it is best to use such inks with fountain pen-friendly paper. Doing so will really showcase their beautiful depth of color that makes them so interesting to look at.
The best shading fountain pen inks
With the number of inks out there, it can be overwhelming to choose a good shading ink to try. We’ve handpicked some options from several color families that you can start with.
1. Sailor Manyo - Hinoki
Hinoki from the Sailor Manyo line is a blue-grey ink that shades to purple and green as you write. If you prefer very dry inks, then these would be the ones to try out for some great shading.
2. Troublemaker - Milky Ocean
For fans of blue and purple ink, this is a beautiful pick. Troublemaker inks are known for their high shading inks as well as their sheening and shimmering inks. This ink has an average flow and should work well for most fountain pens.
3. Robert Oster - Peach
Orange or yellow colored inks may not be everybody’s first pick, but it is a great shade to have in your collection. Robert Oster’s Peach fountain pen ink has beautiful shading and a bright and happy color.
4. LAMY Blue Black
If you’re more into neutral-colored inks, then LAMY Blue Black is the perfect pick. This ink has medium shading and some sheen. It also has an average, consistent flow and is a great affordable option if you want blue ink with more character.
5. Platinum - Cassis Black
Platinum’s Cassis Black is actually a dark, unsaturated red ink with a dry flow. You’ll definitely see color changes as you write. When it’s wet, the ink is a more reddish pink. As it dries, you’ll see pools of dark red. This is best for writers who prefer muted colors.
6. Diamine - Apple Glory
Vibrant ink lovers will enjoy Apple Glory from Diamine. It is a bright medium green with darker green shading and just a touch of black sheen. However, this is also one of Diamine’s drier inks, so keep that in mind if you like a wetter flow.
The bottom line
Shading fountain pen inks add some beautiful character to your writing without messing about with sheening and shimmering particles. Whether you choose brighter colors or more unsaturated muted shades, your writing will look so much more interesting with shading inks.
Happy inking, and happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
