Image: MomJunction Design Team
A classy writing instrument, the best fountain pen ink can make a tremendous difference in the quality of your handwriting. Fountain pens leave a signature statement. An old invention of the 19th century, fountain pens are often seen as collectibles. They are a trend again and come in various colored inks. They have a metal nib and a reservoir that uses the capillary system to put ink on the paper. You have the option to switch between colors as many times as you want since it’s easy to drain the color from the reservoir.
If you are looking for quality fountain pen ink to add to your ink collection, keep scrolling and choose from these handpicked and best-in-class options. You’ll find one that delights you.
Top Picks
11 Best Fountain Pen Inks
1. Best Pigmentation: Parker Quink Ink Bottle
Image: Parker Parker Quink ink comes in a sophisticated glass bottle with a broad base and a screw lid top. The high-quality ink has additional lubricity for smooth flowing to the nib. This quick-drying and richly pigmented ink can add life to your already impressive handwriting. It is suitable for Parker and other luxury branded fountain ink pens. The professional-grade bottled ink is filled with smooth, rich, and vibrant blue-black ink and can be used for fine writing. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of this easy-flowing ink on YouTube.
Pros
- Prevents leaking
- Nib-friendly and rich pigment ink
- Works well with Parker convertor
- Made as a water-soluble ink
- Available in washable blue variant
Cons
- Some may find the ink to be slightly sticky
- Ink may bleed on paper upon usage
"This ink pleased me with its quick drying time and smooth flow. While the color has a rich tone, I noticed it can sometimes appear blacker than expected. Still, I like it as it is compatible with various pens."
2. Best Acid-Free: Wordsworth & Black Fountain Pen Ink Refills
Image: Wordsworth & Black Wordsworth & Black fountain pen ink refills are compatible with almost all standard-sized pens. The pH-neutral ink is quick-drying and provides a smooth, consistent flow. These cartridges also have a re-closable case to prevent the ink from drying up. Tried and tested, the 30-pack cartridges are available in black, dark blue, and assorted colors, making fountain pen usage fun and functional.
Pros
- Acid-free formulation
- Long-lasting
- Fast dry time
- Smudge-resistant
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- May not be true to size
- Might be prone to leaks if not inserted properly
"The best part about these ink cartridges is that they are compatible with all my fountain pens. Their blue hue is also vibrant, and the flow mechanism is smooth. They bleed on thin papers but only speak about their quality."
Trivia3. Best For Multiple Occasions: Waterman Fountain Pen Ink
Image: Waterman The hexagon-shaped ink bottle is not just elegant to look at but also convenient to use. The bottle can be easily tilted to fill the fountain ink pen. The ink is available in eight color tones, from traditional black to green, red and more, which are ideal for multiple occasions. Check out a review of this product on YouTube for more information.
Pros
- Retains traditional ink filling experience
- Intense ink
- Easy to use
- Goes well with all Waterman fountain pens
Cons
- Bottle cap may not be tight enough
- Ink strokes may not be uniform when used
"Although lacking a dispenser, this ink’s vibrancy has made it my preferred option. Its screw-on top also keeps it leak-free, and its resistance to everyday factors is a boon. Overall, it has been a decent find for my everyday writing needs."
Parker Quink Ink Bottle Best Pigmentation | Wordsworth & Black Fountain Pen Ink Refills Best Acid-Free | Waterman Fountain Pen Ink Best For Multiple Occasions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Color | Black,Blue | Blue | Blue |
| Number of Items | 1 | 30 | 1 |
| Color | Blue / Black | Blue | Serenity Blue |
| Dimensions | 2.68 x 2.68 x 1.73 inches | 2.05 x 0.24 x 2.05 inches | 2.56 x 2.76 x 1.58 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces | 1.59 ounces | 4.9 ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,434 | 186 | 5,095 |
| Price | $9 | $14.9 | $9.77 |
4. Best For Traditional Pens: Pelikan 4001 Bottled Ink For Fountain Pens
Image: Pelikan German-made Pelikan 4001 bottled ink for fountain pens uses a 125-year-old ink formula. It is used for traditional pens made by Pelikan and other pens, using plunger mechanisms. Available in multiple colors such as black, green, blue, red, and turquoise, each bottle contains 30ml ink. If you want to find out more about this time-tested, fade-resistant ink and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube.
Pros
- Ink is designed to protect pen and nib
- Clear line definition with an even ink flow
- Easy to fill pens by just tipping the bottle
- Made from fade-resistant dye
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
- May take longer to dry
"The quality and smoothness of this fountain pen ink are top-notch. It offers good flow and saturation on all kinds of papers. Though not waterproof, its longevity and compatibility with different pens are much appreciated."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 8,963 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
5. Best Vibrant Colors: Diamine 30ml Bottle Fountain Pen Ink
Image: Diamine The 30ml ink bottle from Diamine, a trusted product, is available in attractive and vibrant colors such as majestic blue, passion red, violet, and autumn oak. Its plastic container has a concealed body and black top to give a mysterious air to the bottle. This versatile ink has a gentle formula that is compatible with all kinds of fountain and dip pens, making it a great addition to your ink collection.
Pros
- Available in multiple unique shades
- Universal compatibility
- Easy to use
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- Colors might vary
- Some might find the quantity less
"Whether using dip or fountain pen, this is my preferred ink as its deep hue makes each stroke appear elegant. It's not waterproof, but the smooth consistency and the option to use it with different pens have made it my favorite."
6. Best Water-Based: Herbin 1670 Anniversary Inks
Image: Herbin Available in attractive shades such as brown, ocean blue, storm gray, and many more, Herbin’s fountain pen ink bottles can help you with your writing and calligraphy projects. Tested by several reviewers over time, these smooth inks offer an uninterrupted writing experience. The bottle has a hand-dipped wax seal cap that makes it look regal and elegant.
Pros
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Water-based ink
- Easy to use
- Packaged in an elegant gift box
- Unique colors
Cons
- Some might find the colors dull
- Might have a watery consistency
"In addition to being smooth, this ink provides a subtle shimmery effect. I've noticed occasional clog issues due to particles, but those issues have been few and far between. All in all, it works well when paired with the right paper."
7. Best Smooth Glide: Monaggio Vivid Black Ink Cartridges
Image: Monaggio The Monaggio vivid black ink cartridges weigh just 0.4 grams and come in a pack of 20, making them a portable option. These high-quality cartridges are designed to be compatible with most fountain pens and require no additional installation tools. The ink glides smoothly and helps you make those beautifully rounded strokes on ordinary paper.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Rich pigment ink
- Universal compatibility
- Long-lasting ink
Cons
- Might get dislodged upon rough-handling
- Cartridges may leak if not inserted properly
"These cartridges offer a smooth writing experience. However, it can smudge as it dries slower than expected. Still, I consider it a solid choice for regular use."
8. Best For Calligraphy: Lamy T10 Assorted Color Pack Fountain Pen Ink
Image: Lamy The Lamy fountain pen’s ink refills come in a pack of 20 giant cartridges and are available in a blue-black color. They are suitable for all Lamy fountain pens and provide a smooth flow of ink for easy writing. It lends expression to any note making in a journal or diary, and official businesses. This ink cartridge attaches to the back of the fountain pen feed and supplies the pen with ink. When the cartridge runs out of ink, you should remove the empty cartridge, throw it away and insert a fresh one.
Pros
- Mess-free and easy to carry
- Dipping not required
- Non-toxic and has a neutral pH
- Ideal for drawing and calligraphy
Cons
- Fillers may require frequent cleaning before use
- May dry quickly once punctured
"These different color cartridges have made my calligraphy and other artworks hassle-free. It also glides onto the paper smoothly, and the leak-free build has prevented spills regardless of how I store them."
Remember9. Best For Smooth Flow:Noodler’s Bulletproof Eel Fountain Pen Ink
Image: Noodlers The Noodler’s Bulletproof Eel fountain pen ink is water-resistant and fast-drying, making it suitable for everyday writing, sketching, or journaling. Its unique formula includes a lubricating quality that provides excellent flow and durability. This tried-and-tested writing essential is suitable for use with most fountain pens and features anti-forgery and anti-feathering properties, making it ideal for signing important documents.
Pros
- pH neutral ink
- Non-clogging
- Sustainable glass bottle packaging
- Available in multiple colors such as polar blue, baystate blue, and Brexit royal blue
Cons
- May not be very saturated
- May have a peculiar smell
"After trying multiple inks, I have settled on this one as it does not smudge once dried. It has offered a reliable flow even when I used it with flexible nibs. Some pens took time to get used to its consistency, but on the whole, its performance has been impressive."
10. Best For Gifting:Trustela Calligraphy Ink Set
Image: Trustela The Trustela calligraphy ink set is a comprehensive collection of six vibrant inks, suitable for calligraphy, lettering, and other art projects. Each 15ml bottle contains high-quality, water-based ink that is compatible with a variety of pen types, including dip pens, fountain pens, and glass pens. The set comes in a neat box, making it an ideal gift for artists and calligraphers of all levels.
Pros
- Vibrant and long-lasting colors
- Dries quickly
- Non-smudging ink
- Ergonomically designed to be leak-free
Cons
- May have a thin consistency
- May be a bit sheer
"Be it calligraphy or art, this ink set is apt for all my creative projects. It allows me to create a custom shade as they blend well. Though the ink appears thin, the quality is satisfactory."
11. Best Quick-Drying: Outus 100 Pieces Blue Black Pen Ink Cartridge
Outus cartridges come in a pack of 100 with 50 blue and 50 black ink cartridges. Each cartridge is 3.4mm diameter and 2.1inch/ 5.2cm long. Installing the cartridge requires some effort and care. It contains a quick-drying ink that takes only a few seconds to dry on ordinary copy paper, and offers a smooth writing experience.
Pros
- Does not block ink holes
- Glides smoothly on ordinary paper
- Smear-resistant finish
- Non-smudging ink
- Ergonomically designed to be leak-free
Cons
- May require more effort to pierce the cartridge
- May not come with instructions for usage
"I have found these cartridges quite handy and decent. The ink flows smoothly and doesn't smudge. The installation was a bit tricky for me, but I figured out quickly. I'm pleased with their performance."
How To Choose The Right Fountain Pen Ink?
Here are some factors you should consider while buying a fountain pen ink.
- Color: Inks are available in standard blue, standard black, matte black, and lighter black shades. Take your time to choose the right color and shade among the plethora of proven options.
- Water-resistance: Choose a water-resistant ink that is resistant to moisture to ensure your thoughts and words on a document remain intact for years.
- Composition: There are different inks- scented, shimmer-based, pigment-based, dye-based, and waterproof inks. Do your research before choosing your ink.
- Flow: Wetter ink pens offer a smoother writing experience. When it comes to dryer inks, they have a lesser chance to bleed and feather even on absorbent paper. Pick the ink flow based on whether you need the ink for writing or beautiful shading.
- Saturation: Some inks look rich and vibrant and are suitable for shading, while others look dull. The rich-looking, higher saturated inks have a longer dry time than the lesser saturated ones. Choose the saturation according to your preference of the drying time and depth of color.
- Sheen: Sheen is when the ink has a metallic finish different from the standard ink color. It is caused by pigment crystals formed on the surface of the paper or dyes. It looks decorative and pretty, especially when used for calligraphy and shading, but not all inks are prone to sheening.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any ink in any fountain pen?
Yes, you can use any ink made for fountain pens. Most inks have a similar composition but may vary in color and consistency. The only exception is that some pens use cartridges, while others have an ink tank mechanism.
2. Is it ok to leave ink in a fountain pen?
Leaving ink in a fountain pen for a few days may not harm the pen, but leaving it for extended periods can create problems while writing and cause the pen’s nib to rust. You must flush away the dried ink before refilling or using the pen.
3. Should I shake a fountain pen ink bottle?
Yes, you may shake a fountain pen ink bottle to remove air bubbles. And when using shimmer ink, shaking the bottle can distribute the glitter particles evenly. However, if your ink bottle has sediments, it would be best to filter the ink, as the deposits may hinder the smooth functioning of the pen.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a writer with expertise in electronics, homeware, automobiles, books, and children’s products. His goal is to ensure that his readers have a hassle-free shopping experience and find the best items. He has prepared a list of the top tried-and-tested fountain pen inks based on user reviews and independent research. He’s also included product descriptions and a buying guide to help you determine your requirements, such as ink color, ink flow, saturation, and other criteria so that you can make the right purchase.
The Bottom Line
As fountain pen inks come in a wide range of colors, you must choose the color wisely. Standard blue ink is absolutely necessary for formal requirements. You may go for another color of your liking for a different purpose. Ensure that the ink is of high quality and fade-resistant, like the Pelikan 4001 Bottled Ink For Fountain Pens. A bright looking ink looks richer and neat. Lastly, waterproof ink is a safe option, especially if you wish to preserve the texts for ages. Our top recommendations include the richly pigmented Parker Quink Ink Bottle and the Waterman Fountain Pen Ink, available in eight different colors.
Infographic: How To Store And Maintain Fountain Pen Ink?
Fountain pens look classy and offer a smooth flow, making your cursive letters look more elegant. However, for the most part, the smooth flow is determined by the kind of ink that you use. Dried or sluggish ink can make your writing look dull. Follow the infographic to learn how you can store fountain pen ink.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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