Fountain Pen Ink

Fountain Pen Ink FAQ

What inks are safe for fountain pens?

Anything sold as 'fountain pen ink' should be fine. But some are safer than others. Specialist inks containing very finely ground pigments, inks made to sheen, and inks with shimmering particles, can all add a bit of risk. While these should be perfectly ok to use in fountain pens, they’re probably best avoided in a pen that’s especially valuable to you.

What is 'sheening' ink?

Sheening inks have very high concentrations of dye, of particular types, which will leave extra dye on the surface, refracting the light in interesting ways - usually layering a different colour where the ink goes down thickest. The effect can vary hugely with the paper used - some paper will absorb the ink quickly, leaving nothing to sheen; other paper will let the ink dry onto the surface, sheening different colours in the light.

The concentrated dye makes these inks a bit higher risk, so it's best not to leave them in an unused pen for long, and they may take a bit more flushing out than usual when cleaning your pens.

What is 'shimmering' ink?

Shimmering inks use very finely-ground particles, usually of gold or silver metal, giving an effect like very fine glitter, so your writing or drawing catches the light and sparkles. While we generally find them safe to use in fountain pens, a bit of extra care should be taken not to let these inks dry in the pen, as the particles could then clog the feed.

Can I use drawing ink in a fountain pen?

In general, no - drawing inks contain pigments that would clog the feed. There are drawing inks made for fountain pens, like Platinum Carbon Black, which can be used, but a bit of extra care would still be recommended.

Can I use calligraphy ink in a fountain pen?

Only if it’s intended for fountain pens. Most calligraphy ink is made for dip pens, and is not safe in fountain pens. They are usually pigmented, and some contain shellac to give extra shine, which would be very bad in a fountain pen!

Are there permanent fountain pen inks?

Any permanent ink will take a bit of extra care, and only use ones specifically made for fountain pens. Platinum Carbon Black is a good choice.