Decoding the Mysteries of Calligraphy Inks
As one of the most frequently asked questions in our calligraphy classes, we thought it was time to explore the art of choosing the perfect ink. From breaking down their base ingredients to discovering which types perform best on various surfaces, tools, and styles, we’re here to help you navigate the world of calligraphy inks with confidence.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at shelves of inks, trying to decipher whether a particular bottle is pigment-based, dye-based, or something in between - you're not alone. The truth is, navigating the world of inks can feel like learning calligraphy itself: it takes practice, research, and a touch of experimentation.
Even within the same brand, you might discover that some colours are pigment-based, while others rely on dyes for vibrancy. One ink might promise rich, lightfast hues perfect for heirloom projects, while another fades faster than your patience with a temperamental nib! It's no wonder that figuring out the “right” ink can sometimes feel more like solving a puzzle than picking up a tool.
Pigment-based Inks
Pigment-based inks use tiny particles suspended in the liquid, which “sit” on top of the paper rather than absorbing into it. They are ideal for when you want durability, as they’re lightfast and water-resistant once dry. Since they contain tiny solid particles, pigment inks produce denser colours that pop even on darker surfaces.
Ziller Inks, Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink (Black and White) and their Black and White Calligraphy ink, Sumi Ink, Calli Ink by Daler-Rowney (Black and White), Oak Gall Ink (Iron Gall), Dr. Ph. Martin’s Pen-White, Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bombay India Inks and Higgins Eternal Ink and Higgins Black Magic Ink are all pigment-based, using Shellac, Gum Arabic or other natural binders.
Pigments tend to settle at the bottom, so always mix thoroughly before use.
Clean your nib promptly with water to prevent clogging or residue buildup. Choose them if your project will be exposed to sunlight, as they’re less prone to fading and smudging.
Schmincke Calligraphy Gouache (while technically a paint, gouache can be thinned with water and used as a pigment-based ink), and Finetec Coliro Watercolor Pans give pigment-based paints that double as ink.
Acrylic Calligraphy Inks (Pigment-Based)
Acrylic inks create a permanent bond with the surface, which is why they can't be reactivated with water. The acrylic polymer binders form a permanent, water-resistant film once they dry. They work beautifully with brushes, dip pens, and even airbrushes!
Acrylic ink stays vibrant and intact over time, even with handling and can be used to layer work since dried layers are sealed and unaffected by water, so subsequent layers stay clean and distinct. As they bond well to surfaces, they can be used on wood, canvas, and fabric. They can often be diluted with water for lighter effects, or to help with the flow from the nib.
Try our Modern Calligraphy Inks, Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Artists' Ink, Dr. Ph. Martin’s Spectralite Liquid Acrylic or Pebeo Acrylic Ink, or choose our Ink Mixing Set to create an acrylic ink in just the shade you need.
Dye-based Inks
Dye-based inks are made from coloured dyes that dissolve completely into liquid, resulting in vibrant and blendable colours. Although they are bright and come in many colour options, they are not light-fast, so the colours will fade after a while. Examples of Dye-based inks that use Shellac or water-soluble binders are Dr. Ph. Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Watercolor Inks, Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks (Colored Inks), Higgins Fountain Pen Inks, Parker Quink, Diamine Inks, J. Herbin Fountain Pen Inks.
You can re-wet them, and blend the colours, even after they dry, so great for washes. Try making a wash and writing with diluted bleach to achieve a wonderful effect! They will smudge and fade, so don't use them if you’re creating a keepsake or a commission. If you create a piece using Dye-based inks and have it printed, your work will stay vibrant in printed form, even if the original ink isn’t lightfast.
Acrylic Dye-Based Inks
Dye-based inks are highly vibrant and when mixed with acrylic binding agents, the ink dries, leaving behind a solid acrylic film that locks the dye in place. Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bombay India Ink (Some Colours), Calli Creative Acrylic Ink are known for their vibrant and bright colours but are less durable in terms of lightfastness due to using dyes for the colouring. They will dry to be waterproof because of the acrylic binding agent.
Traditional Inks
For fine calligraphy work, it's best to choose inks that are not as thick. Opt for Walnut Ink, Ziller Ink, Sumi ink or Iron Gall ink such as McCaffery’s Penman’s Ink.
Sumi ink is designed for intricate, detailed brush and pen strokes, making it perfect for calligraphy. Its consistency provides a smooth, controlled flow,, which dries to a beautifully opaque finish. The ink is typically made from a combination of soot (often from burnt pinewood or oil) and a glue binder such as gelatine.
When Sumi ink is dry, it isn’t waterproof but resistant to smudging, with modern Sumi inks now coming in a range of colours. We love the vivid red and rich gold that we stock, both of which can be diluted with water to help it flow from the nib.
Watercolour Inks
Watercolour inks or Liquid Watercolours have the transparency associated with traditional watercolour paints. They come in both dye-based and pigment-based varieties, so choose the best option based on lightfastness. Ecoline Watercolour Inks and Dr. Ph. Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Watercolor are dye-based whereas Dr. Ph. Martin’s Hydrus ink is pigment-based so a better option based on lightfastness.
With their ability to be rewet and manipulated, watercolour inks are great for creating washes and gradients. Just as with dye-based inks, dye-based liquid watercolours are light-sensitive.
Drawing Inks
Drawing inks can be either dye or pigment-based so check the bottle before you buy. Winsor & Newton Drawing inks are dye-based, so they’re prone to fading over time, making them unsuitable for pieces meant to last, as the colours will lose their vibrancy.
These tend to have a thinner, fluid consistency, allowing for quick, flowing strokes. However, this thinner consistency can lead to feathering on certain papers, which isn’t ideal for calligraphy work. The exception within the Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink line is black Indian ink, which is pigment-based and offers better permanence and lightfastness.
Metallic Inks
With metallic inks being difficult to use, due to the minerals that give the shimmer dropping to the bottom of the pot, we enjoy gold Sumi decanted into a small dish to allow for a few drops of water to be added. Dr Martin Iridescent inks dry to a waterproof finish, work on many surfaces and can also be easier to use when diluted slightly.
Daler-Rowney FW Pearlescent Acrylic Inks combine dyes and mica pigments to create shimmery. shades. Our MCC Christmas shimmering inks are pigment-based with added shimmer and both use a dropper to get to the good stuff at the bottom of the bottle, so apply to your nib that way.
There are lots of inks we haven't mentioned as there are so many available. We hope this guide will help you find the perfect ink for your next creative project and give you more of an understanding of what to look out for. So, grab your favourite pen, and let the ink flow!
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