The best inks for calligraphy

Whether you’re writing letters, drawing, or taking notes, choosing the correct ink for your project is essential. The right colour, consistency, and compatibility with your pen all matter. This is particularly true in arts like calligraphy, where the decision is more nuanced, and with good reason.

However, the ancient decorative art of calligraphy is about more than penmanship. It’s a craft that can take years to master. But its popularity among hobbyists means there are more options than ever to give it a go.

Traditional calligraphy and dip pens may still be the calligrapher’s best friend, but they’re not the only option. Quality fountain pens are now more commonly used to achieve the expressive look of calligraphy, making it far more accessible.

While choosing the right pen is crucial, selecting the best ink for calligraphy is equally important.

If you’re practising calligraphy with a fountain pen or dip pen, this guide will ensure you have the correct ink for capturing the style, grace, and flair of this popular discipline.

What makes a good calligraphy ink?

When choosing the best calligraphy inks, “good” isn’t a straightforward concept. What works for one person won’t always be the best option for another. The reality is that good ink depends on several factors, including:

• the type of pen you’re using
• the style of calligraphy you want to do
• the requirements of your project.

However, there are a few things to consider that’ll help you find the best calligraphy ink, whatever your specific requirements.

Consistent, optimal flow

There’s nothing quite like a calligrapher’s smooth movements across the paper. But to achieve that flow, you need an ink that can keep pace.

Inks for dip pens and calligraphy pens vary in consistency based on their compatibility with different nibs. If you match the ink and pen well, you’ll have a steady flow. However, if the ink is too thick or thin, it can disrupt the flow, making it difficult to use.

Rich colour saturation

Calligraphy is all about creativity. To achieve that, you need inks in bold, eye-catching shades.

Ink for calligraphy should be rich in colour. This keeps your project lively, even when it dries. Choose inks with high opacity to ensure they dry consistently and don’t lose their colour. Or, you might want to try a lower-opacity ink for a more unpredictable look.

Clean lines, stunning results

Whether it’s fine line work or large, swooping letters, you need an ink that offers consistent lines and a clean finish.

Pick an ink that won’t bleed into nearby paper to avoid fuzzy or blurred lines. Also, choose inks that dry without fading, so your final product looks neat, uniform, and professional.

Permanence

If you’re working on a project that you’re likely to frame and display, you’ll want an ink with strong permanence. Archival and pigment-based inks tend to dry without losing vibrancy, and won’t fade over time.

Alternatively, dye-based inks offer bold results that give your work a real pop of colour and style. But they don’t always have the same permanence as pigment-based inks and may fade over time.

Common mistakes when choosing inks for calligraphy

With so many inks around, it’s easy to make a mistake and end up with the wrong type for your project or pen. There are a handful of common mistakes to avoid when choosing calligraphy ink.

Not matching the ink to the project

Consider what the purpose of your project is and avoid choosing an ink that can’t stand up to the task. For example, if you select a non-waterproof ink, like those for fountain pens, ensure your final project won’t encounter conditions where the ink might run.

Clogging your fountain pen

Carefully select your pen type for calligraphy. One of the most common and costly mistakes is for fountain pen users to buy dedicated calligraphy or India ink. While these are among the best inks for calligraphy, they can be too thick for the nib and inner workings of fountain pens. Over time, this can cause your pen to clog.

Thin inks for broad nibs

The flip side of damaging your fountain pen can occur if you choose an ink that’s too thin for it. For anyone working with a broad-nibbed calligraphy or dip pen, thin inks can flow rapidly, leading to messy work and uneven lines.

Corrosion or damage

Choosing the wrong ink can also damage your pen. For example, iron-gall ink may cause problems if not used correctly. These inks are great, but also acidic. This acidity can lead to rust and corrosion in some nib types, especially if you don’t clean your pen after use.

The best calligraphy ink for your projects

Let’s take a look at some of the best inks for all types of calligraphy pens.

Calligraphy ink for calligraphy and dip pens

Ink for a dip or calligraphy pen should flow smoothly without being too thin. Find your ideal option from our selection and choose from a wide range of colours.

Diamine Drawing & Calligraphy ink

Diamine’s waterproof drawing and calligraphy ink is an acrylic option perfect for any calligraphy or dip pen. It comes in a variety of colours, including opulent gold, silver, and purple. The ink’s thick, vivacious qualities make it perfect for any calligraphy project.

Diamine India ink

If you want a no-nonsense calligraphy ink designed for any dip or calligraphy pen, choose Diamine’s India ink. This simple black ink is ideal for bold outlines and dense finishes. It dries to give a waterproof layer, ensuring it lasts in any application.

Sheaffer Skrip ink

Skrip ink from Sheaffer is specially formulated for a smooth flow through your pen and across the paper, making it a great choice for all calligraphers. Suitable for dip pens and fountain pens, it comes in a range of colours, including classic blue and black. It’s perfect for calligraphy projects that need different nib types and line thicknesses, letting you switch pens without changing the ink.

Calligraphy ink for fountain pens

Explore the range of thinner, smooth-flowing fountain pen inks in a spectrum of vibrant colours to match any project.

Diamine Forever ink

Ideal for fountain pen calligraphy projects, Diamine’s Forever ink comes in 16 vivid shades. Forever ink is a permanent option that dries without bleeding, perfect for long-lasting keepsakes. You can also pair it with dye-based inks for projects that require something a little different.

Pilot Iroshizuku ink

Inspired by Japan’s stunning natural landscapes, Pilot’s Iroshizuku ink offers 24 subtle and exquisite colours ideal for fountain pens and various calligraphy projects. Designed for the artistic hand, these inks will bring any calligraphy work to life.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, calligraphy is an art form that you can’t achieve without ink that can match your flow. Understanding the differences between types of inks for calligraphy and how they suit various writing tools and projects makes all the difference.

Ready to get started? Complete your calligraphy toolkit with a new ink, inkwell, or some luxury stationery.