Best Fountain Pen Ink: Review and Buying Guide
best fountain pen ink

Ink is an old drawing, writing, and painting medium that has been used by many cultures across the world. It is perfect for artists, illustrators, and calligraphers alike because of its silky liquid consistency.

Fountain pens are a 19th-century invention that is typically considered collectibles. They’re back in style and available in a variety of colors. 

They have a steel nib and a barrel that puts ink to the paper via a capillary mechanism. Since it is simple to draw the color from the reservoir, you can change colors as often as you desire.

The ideal fountain pen ink may make a huge difference in handwriting quality.

How To Choose The Best Fountain Pen Ink?

There’s a lot to think about when choosing fountain pen ink. One decision you’ll have to make is which ink to use.

It is available in both cartridge and bottled, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You should also evaluate which brand is the best and how to prevent purchasing the incorrect type.

There are many inks available from numerous companies, so there is likely to be a color already created to fit everyone’s preference.

Many brands have distinct properties and characteristics, such as flow, dry time, saturation, smoothness, and the capacity to shade. 

Read below to learn more about some of the best fountain pen inks!

Best Fountain Pen Ink: Review

1. PARKER QUINK Ink Bottle, Blue-Black, 57 ml

Parker quink ink is packaged in a stylish glass container with a wide base and a twist cap. This high-quality ink is lubricious, allowing it to flow smoothly to the nib.

The original PARKER ink is the preferred ink of generations and a symbol of outstanding quality. It provides a uniformly smooth, polished writing experience.

The handwriting is remarkable thanks to this quick-drying, rich-colored ink. It is compatible with Parker and many other high-end fountain pens. 

Specifications
  • Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 2.68 x 2.68 x 1.73 inches
  • Item model number: 1950378
  • Color: Blue/black
  • Closure: ‎Screw
  • Material Type: Glass
  • Size: 1.9 Fl Oz
  • Ink Color: ‎Blue
Pros
  • It provides a smooth and rich writing experience
  • There is no leakage effect
  • Its dark color makes it perfect for sketching and painting
  • It is small in size, making it easy to store and transport
  • It has an affordable price
Cons
  • The narrow neck makes filling the cartridges harder

2. Dryden Designs Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges

The ink of the Dryden blue-black fountain pen flows freely, it’s non-corrosive and sediment-free. It’s great for use in college, school, or in the workplace.

Because of its silicone cap, it is leakproof, and you may carry it in a handbag or backpack without fear of leakage. It is simple to use because of its quick-drying composition.

Its longer lifespan is also appreciated by people. Unlike other types, these cartridges have re–lockable plastic casing that provides at least two weeks of daily usage.

Not only does this product have a great design, but it also has a non- intervallic and smooth ink supply. It provides continuous ink flow, allowing you to have the best writing experience. 

Specifications
  • Brand: ‎Dryden Designs
  • Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 2 x 1 inches
  • Item Weight: 0 ounces
  • Color: Black Ink Cartridges 
  • Ink Color: Black
  • Material Type: Ink
  • Size: ‎24 Count 
Pros
  • It’s simple to use and carry.
  • The bottle has an elegant look.
  • Ideal or people who enjoy drawing.
  • For the price, it is of exceptional quality.
  • An ink that dries quickly.
  • It’s perfect for calligraphy.
Cons
  • Some people complain about its color.

3. Waterman Fountain Pen Ink, Serenity Blue, 50ml Bottle

Enjoy the classic way of writing with many of these greater fountain pen inks. The delicate routine of pouring ink from the bottle enhances handwriting experiences to new levels of elegance.

With the Waterman pen and ink bottle, you can write powerful lines and flow elegant curves. It’s available in a selection of bright and intense colors that are ideal for a wide range of writing activities.

The famous hexagonal form looks great on any study table or office desk, and it serves a practical purpose. Simply rotate the bottle at an angle to effortlessly get ink at various levels.

Specifications
  • Brand: Waterman
  • Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.76 x 1.58 
  • Item Weight: 5.1 ounces
  • Point Type: Bold
  • Model: S0110720
  • Material Type: ‎Glass Bottle
  • Ink Color: Blue
  • Size: 1.6 fl oz 
Pros
  • The ink dries quickly
  • There are several colors to choose from
  • Convenient and simple to use
  • It lasts long
  • The bottle can be turned on its side
Cons
  • It can only fit ordinary long-sized fountain pens

4. J. Herbin Fountain Pen Ink 

J. Herbin is a French ink manufacturer that dates back to 1670 and is one of the world’s oldest pen ink producers. They were also one of the first manufacturers to offer a wide variety of colors.

This ink is considered to be quick-drying and smooth-flowing, making it ideal for beginner fountain pen writers, personal journaling, or at the office. The rectangular containers with a pen resting have become a favorite amongst fountain pen lovers.

Specifications
  • Brand: Herbin
  • Dimensions: ‎2.17 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches
  • Item Weight: 1.76 ounces
  • Model number: 13009T
  • Color: Perle Noire
  • Ink Color: Black
  • Size: 30 ml bottle
Pros
  • The water-based mixture dries quickly and flows smoothly
  • The ink is non-toxic and pH neutral
  • High-quality ink improves the quality of the writing
  • Helps protect the pages from damage
  • Bottle and label are luxurious
  • Most fountain pens are compatible with it
Cons
  • Some customers complain about receiving different colors.

5. Vivid Black Ink Cartridges for Fountain Pens

The ideal combination of classic elegance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. The gorgeous details and delicate lines of the pen work in perfect harmony with the light materials.

The classic design of these cartridges has earned them the appreciation of many satisfied customers who are overjoyed to have a cartridge that fits their unique taste.

You shouldn’t tap the pen against a hard floor, as this will probably damage both the cartridge and the nib, as well as the sealing between the body and the lid of the pen.

To avoid damage, always place the cap after use. This also prevents the ink from drying out. 

Specifications
  • Brand: MONAGGIO
  • Package Dimensions: 2.8 x 1.7 x 0.6 inches
  • Item Weight: ‎0.81 ounces
  • Item model number: The Best Set
  • Size: 20 Count 
  • Ink Color: ‎Black
  • Point Type: Fine
Pros
  • They fit into the pen and the ink flows immediately
  • It helps in smooth writing
  • It’s a high-quality ink with bold colors
  • It can fit almost all types of fountain pens
Cons
  • Less convenient for travel

Buying Guide For The Best Fountain Pen Ink

Choice of Pen

Fountain pen inks come in a variety of sizes, both short and long standard measurements. 

It is important to learn what size the pen can handle. Remember to check the ink quality. The ideal ink should be non-acidic and neutral. Non-toxic ink lowers pen tear and wear.

Shading of Ink

Shading is the appearance of ink that is deeper in some spots and less in others. Ink gathers around the start and the end of words. The result is a great variation in color from word to word.

The paper and pen play an important part in shading. Smoother paper enables more shading because the ink has more time to mix into high and low concentration regions when it dries. 

Writing Style And Color

The bleeds and feathering that you will have to cope with are determined by the writing style.

Keep in mind the ink color that you require. Some packages contain a mix of blue and black cartridges, while others contain only one color. 

In general, heavier-handed writing exerts greater pressure and increases the flow rate. It might lead the ink to flow in places where it would not be required. 

Writing too slowly may cause the same issue because it allows the ink to sink into the paper longer. You can find cartridges that are specifically intended to solve these issues.

Cartridges Per Pack

Each pack has a unique number of cartridges. Of course, large value packs are an ideal buy. After all, everyone wants to save money, even if it’s just a considerable sum. 

Discount packs are frequently sold in bundles of up to 25 cartridges, which is ideal for a group of people who often use fountain pens.

Paper Quality

Experts highlight the significance of choosing a fountain pen with the proper nib. Even if you pick the ideal nib for a pen, you should consider the ink or cartridge that will be used. 

Having these two characteristics reduces smudges and bleed-through while writing on various paper types. Pick an ink type with a quick-drying and smooth consistency.

Conclusion

Fountain pen ink must be mild. It’s commonly a mix of color and water, plus a few more additives to help it flow properly. Although its components are essentially identical, slight differences might cause it to act differently. 

Many people like testing different fountain pen inks and observing how they behave on any type of paper and in different pens.

Contrary to expectations, a fountain pen does not need the use of the best paper available. Choosing the ideal pen nib and cartridges guarantees that you have the best experience, whatever is the paper you are using. 

Fountain pen inks are available in every color you can think of, so you can easily find a shade that suits your needs. Start with brands like Herbin and Waterman, which provide a wider range of colors.

We have listed the best fountain pen inks that will help you write smoothly with little bleed. To make the best decision, you should know your requirements and follow your taste.

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