Writing with a fountain pen is a common hobby now since there are so many options available. There are a number of things to think about before making a final decision. To name a few: ink dry time, ink flow, and ink compatibility.
Flow of Ink
Good calligraphy relies on the ink flowing smoothly from a fountain pen. This is truer for fine point nibs than for wider ones. When the flow is off, the line becomes smeared or feathers. Keep in mind that your pen's ink will eventually dry up if you let it sit about for too long.
When ink is flowing properly, it will go freely from the nib to the paper. This is due to the nib's central slit, through which the ink is drawn. Capillary action is the term for this phenomenon.
When writing with a fountain pen, you can choose between two distinct ink-flow methods. The first variety uses a capillary action to transfer ink from a reservoir to the pen's nib. The second employs a relatively new innovation called a fiber tip.
When the Ink Dries
Fountain pens, in contrast to ballpoint pens, utilize water-based dye inks. Ink drying times may vary depending on a variety of circumstances.
The size of the pen's nib is crucial. When compared to a fine nib, a medium to broad one might dry up considerably quicker.
Paper quality also has a role in how quickly ink dries. The drying time is longer the more premium the paper. Coated papers dry more quickly than uncoated ones because of their smooth surface.
Mark the paper with the required dry time if you need the ink to dry rapidly. Then, time how long it takes to wipe the page clean using a finger or a paper towel.
Matching Inks
It's not always obvious which ink will work best with your fountain pen. There is a wide range of ink colors and kinds available. It's important to use ink that works well with your pen and the paper you often use. In doing so, we can avoid slowdowns and other performance concerns.
Dye-based inks are quite widespread. These tend to provide the most vibrant colors with the least amount of effort. Additionally, they are the most accessible option.
Inks based on pigment last longer but need to be cleaned more often. They cost more money. They don't dissolve in water, therefore they're not easily removed. They are also noticeably darker than standard inks.
Picking out the perfect ink for your pen is an enjoyable and interesting process. Color options are flexible and dependent on personal taste and the type of paper used.
Ink Cartridges
One entertaining and low-cost approach to greener writing is to use fountain pen ink refills. However, before you run out and buy a brand new ink cartridge, there are a few things you should know.
The first is that filling a fountain pen with a syringe is typically the quickest and easiest option. The other is that fountain pen inks aren't suitable for use with calligraphy. The good news is that a fine or medium nib will still provide the same results.
You should also realize that ink refills are a comparatively clean process. Instead of the messy bottled ink, all you need is water to clean your fountain pen and cartridges.
Colored ink cartridges are also readily available. They can store enough ink for up to two weeks, however this varies by manufacturer.
Fountain Pen-Compatible Inks
It's crucial to use fountain pen-compatible inks. It's also up to the individual. While some like lighter inks, others would rather have a wide range of hues to choose from.
The many varieties of paper can have an effect on which ink is selected. More shading will occur on smooth paper. However, the ink may seep through absorbent paper. For this reason, it's crucial to employ a well-behaved ink.
Dye-based ink is the standard in the printing industry. These inks offer the most tonal diversity. It's easy to care for them. They don't dry out the nib and are easy to wash out.
Pigment inks last longer than dye-based ones. They can also withstand wet conditions. The liguid in these inks is dotted with tiny solid particiles. When pigments dry, they become a permanent part of the paper's finish. The ink has to be cleaned frequently, which is a drawback.
