Fountain Pen Ink for Beginners: Complete Guide & Tips
Why Fountain Pen Ink Matters
If you’re new to fountain pens, moving from standard ballpoint refills to bottled ink might feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—fountain pen ink is not only practical but also a way to express your style and creativity. At Queen, we’ve worked with inks and pens for over 35 years, so we know how exciting (and sometimes confusing) the world of fountain pen ink can be. This guide will help you understand your options and choose the perfect ink for your writing journey.
Cartridges vs. Bottled Ink: Which Is Best?
Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges
Ink cartridges are small, disposable plastic tubes pre-filled with ink. They are widely available and come in standard “international” sizes, although some brands use proprietary cartridges.
Pros: Mess-free, simple to install, and convenient for travel.
Cons: Limited color choices, higher cost per milliliter, less eco-friendly, and restricted compatibility if proprietary.
Bottled Fountain Pen Ink
Bottled ink is the traditional option and is favored by enthusiasts for its versatility and variety. Bottles come in many sizes (10 mL to 90 mL or more) and are made of glass or plastic, sometimes designed as collector’s items.
Pros: Huge range of colors and properties, more cost-effective, attractive bottles.
Cons: Can be messy, less portable, and fragile in glass form.
Pro Tip from Queen: Try ink samples first! A 5 mL vial is enough for one or two fills, letting you experiment before committing to a full bottle.
Types of Fountain Pen Inks & Special Effect
1.Hue (Basic Colors)
Your daily ink’s base color, such as normal black, royal blue, emerald green, or burgundy red …. with no special effects.
2. Shading
Some inks naturally vary in lightness and darkness within one stroke, giving a beautiful gradient.
3. Multi-Chromatic Shading
These inks shift color as you write—blue may lean purple, or green might reveal hints of pink.
4. Sheen
A metallic shine that appears on heavily saturated inks. For example, a blue ink might show red sheen under light.
5. Shimmer
Inks with tiny glitter particles that sparkle on the page. Shake the bottle before filling to mix evenly.
6. Waterproof & Archival Ink
Great for important documents, artwork, or journaling. They resist water, UV light, and fading.
7. Scented Inks
Some inks are lightly perfumed, though the scent fades once it dries.
The Role of Paper
Even the best ink needs the right paper.
Low-quality paper: Causes feathering (ink spreading) and bleed-through.
Fountain-pen friendly paper: Shows off shading, sheen, and shimmer beautifully.
Queen Tip: If you want your ink’s full character to shine, invest in good-quality notebooks or paper designed for fountain pens.
FAQs about Fountain Pen Inks
What is fountain pen ink made of?
Mostly water, plus either dyes (vivid, fully soluble) or pigments (tiny particles, often waterproof).
Can I mix different ink colors?
Yes, you can mix ink colors, but it’s best to use inks from the same brand to avoid unwanted reactions caused by different formulas.
Is iron-gall or India ink safe?
Traditional formulas can harm pens (corrosion or clogging). Modern “fountain-pen safe” versions exist, but always double-check.
Can I mix different ink colors?
Yes, you can mix ink colors, but it’s best to use inks from the same brand to avoid unwanted reactions caused by different formulas.
How to remove ink from skin or clothes
For skin, wash with soap and water, or use dish soap and a sponge for better results. For clothes, treat immediately with 90% alcohol or bleach especially on white fabrics, since fountain pen inks are dye-based and can set permanently if left too long.
Why won’t my ink flow?
Cartridges: Make sure they’re properly pierced.
Bottled ink: Ensure the nib is fully submerged during filling.
Persistent issues: Flush the pen or check for clogs.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right fountain pen ink is about more than just writing—it’s about finding a color, texture, and style that feels like you. Whether you prefer the convenience of cartridges or the endless variety of bottled inks, Queen is here to help you explore and enjoy the journey.