What Ink is Best for Dip Pen Drawing?

For artists, having the right combination of ink and a drawing tool can significantly improve the quality of their sketches. If you’ve ever dabbled in using a fountain pen for your art, then you’ll love dip pens. These pens are known for their dark, sharp lines. Dip pens are also quite responsive to pressure and are a great tool for creating different line weights and designs. Any artist who is looking to create expressive and striking drawings can benefit from having the right dip pen and ink combo. Here, we’ll be focusing on some of the best inks you can try for dip pen drawing.

J. Herbin India Ink

J. Herbin is a renowned ink manufacturer that is well-loved by fountain pen enthusiasts. They also produce some permanent inks that are suitable for dip pen drawing. The J. Herbin India Ink is an excellent option for drawing with dip pens. The ink stays put, with no smearing at all when used with water and markers. We would advise against vigorous erasing as this can lift the ink slightly, but the ink is definitely worth trying given its deep black color and semi-gloss finish. Be sure to mix this ink well before dipping your pen into it as the formula tends to separate.

Tachikawa Jet Black Ink

Another great ink to try for dip pen drawings is the Tachikawa Jet Black Ink. This rich black ink is perfect for art, illustrations, and even calligraphy. Those looking for a fast-drying and very dark ink will love using this for drawings. Like most of the best drawing inks, it does not budge when exposed to water nor does it move when used with markers. It is especially easy to use for dip pens with its wide-neck bottle. Tachikawa Jet Black Ink dries matte, so if you prefer a glossy finish, then this ink might not be for you.

Wearingeul Literature Ink

Wearingeul Literature inks may not be the fastest-drying or most water-resistant on this list, but they are worth exploring due to their color selection and versatility. If you want to experiment with color in your drawings, then this ink is great to try out. They can be used for blending, shading, and adding more dimension to your sketches. These inks have medium water resistance and show no feathering on fountain pen-friendly papers like Rhodia and Tomoe River paper. Wearingeul inks have beautiful shading and sheening, and they also have good flow, making them easy and enjoyable to use for any artistic endeavors.

Kakimori Pigment Ink

Kakimori Pigment Inks come in a uniquely designed bottle and in a selection of beautiful, bright colors that are great for shading and depth. Once dry, these inks are water and fade-resistant to ensure that your drawings stand the test of time. The bottle has a generous 20mm opening and is angled at an 8-degree tilt to make dipping easier and cleaner. It’s also nice to know that Kakimori is a sustainable and heritage-focused company, so using their inks keeps this craftsmanship alive. Overall, this is a great selection of colored inks that you can use for dip pen drawing.

Whether you prefer a glossy over matte finish and brighter colors over black pigments, these inks are all great choices for your dip pen drawing needs.

Happy drawing!

Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting