Ink

Drawing and artist inks range from transparent, water-soluble inks to waterproof pigment inks for line work, illustration and mixed media.

Check base, waterfastness and lightfastness

Dye-based inks are often clear and transparent; pigment inks can be more resistant to light and water. Shellac or acrylic inks can clog the feed mechanism of a fountain pen and are only suitable if the manufacturer specifies so. Choose a bottle, pipette, cartridge or marker that matches the tool. Also test whether a dried line dissolves again when you paint over it with a wet medium.

Test on the final paper

Absorbent paper gives wider lines and more flow, while smooth paper with good surface sizing keeps details sharper. Only shake when the manufacturer instructs, close the bottle immediately and clean pen, brush or airbrush before residue dries. Make a color sample with name and date to compare color shift and water resistance.

Also explore Calligraphy · Paper · Pens & Markers for compatible materials and the next step in your project.