Most India ink has a sheen to it, which is amplified on a smooth surface, lessened on a matte surface Dr. India ink has historically been made with carbon and contains varnish or shellac, which gives it permanency and makes it waterproof. Originally available only in black, it now comes in other colors. India ink was actually first created in China and is also known as China Ink. These water-resistant inks dry quickly and permanently to surfaces such as Bristol and drawing boards. Because of the acrylic pigments, this ink will be less likely to fade with light and can additionally be mixed with acrylic paints. Dye based ink will be water-resistant unless otherwise noted on the product.Īcrylic based inks are composed of pigment particles that create ink colors that act more like acrylic paints. This ink will be immediately absorbed into paper surfaces, making it fantastic to use on Bristol and other fine paper surfaces. Although this ink can be stunningly bright, it has a low lightfast rating, so it should stay away from prolonged light exposure and stay within sketchbooks and portfolios. This ink has been produced for hundreds of years, with India Ink being a prime example of dye based ink. Is created with water-soluble dyes combined with gum arabic or other vehicles to create wide color range and brilliance.

A few good general purpose papers for calligraphy or drawing are watercolor paper, block printing paper, and mixed media paper, and other papers specifically stated for use with ink. If the paper is too absorbent, there is the risk of the ink bleeding if the paper is too impermeable the ink may not dry properly and can smear. It’s also important to note that the paper used will affect how the ink performs. A higher price means higher quality and more refined materials are used, as well as a greater saturation of the pigment or dye. With ink, price tends to accurately reflect quality. With its smooth liquid texture, ink is ideal for illustrators, fine artists, and calligraphers alike. Ink is an ancient medium developed around the world, in multiple cultures, for the purpose of writing, drawing, and painting.

Opaque white india ink