Throughout your fountain pen journey, you’re sure to discover special types of pens and inks that you’ll certainly want to give a try, especially in your quest for the best black fountain pen ink. However, in the case of inks, one should exercise caution. You may well know by now that not all inks are compatible with fountain pens, and one of these is the famed India ink.
Here we’ll talk a little bit more about what this ink is, why not to use it in your fountain pens, and how to use it instead.
What is India ink?
India ink, which is also often called Chinese ink, is a black ink made of carbon. It has been used since ancient times and has become the standard for writing and printing in the Western world at the turn of the 20th century. It was India that became most popular for printing and writing in the West, hence the name India ink.
It is essentially an ink made from a carbon pigment, such as soot from burnt wood or resin. This residue is called lampblack and is mixed with water to make liquid ink.
Why India ink isn’t suitable for fountain pens
India ink is usually made with a shellac binder, which does not make it ideal for fountain pen use since it will clog the nib and feed. They can also be corrosive and will dry to be waterproof.
Such inks should only be used with dip pens, and even then, it can be extremely difficult to clean. This type of ink will stain pens, become hard, and may require metal to scrape it off surfaces.
Using India ink
Though not as widely used as it once was, this ink still has a number of specialized uses today. It is still used to make comic strips, and it is also the ink that is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese calligraphy.
India inks can be used for many artistic endeavors, such as drawing, sketching, painting, and calligraphy. It is imperative that you use this type of ink in safety pens (which don’t dry out) or a specially designed paint brush, such as those used in traditional calligraphy.
The Bottom Line
So, is India ink good for fountain pens? Despite its numerous benefits of being pigmented, permanent, and completely waterproof, unfortunately, it isn’t good for fountain pens.
However, there are some fountain pen inks that are waterproof and safe for your delicate writing instruments. If you’re looking for something that won’t budge, then try Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink. It is inspired by original India ink without the extreme drying and corrosive properties. However, do remember that this is pigment-based, so leaving it to dry out in your pen will cause clogs. It also has a slight alkaline pH, which can affect the metal of your pens with too much use. You can also try the pigment inks by Sailor.
Happy inking and happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
