How to Select Your First Fountain Pen Ink: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve picked out your first fountain pen—congratulations! Now comes the exciting next step: choosing your first fountain pen ink. If you're new to the world of fountain pens, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the vast selection of colors, brands, and types of inks available. Don’t worry! This guide will help you navigate the process and select the perfect ink for your writing journey.

1. Understand the Basics of Fountain Pen Ink

Fountain pen ink is water-based, making it fluid and smooth for writing, but this also means it's different from the thicker inks used in ballpoint pens or rollerballs. When choosing an ink, you’ll need to consider how it behaves on paper, how it flows through your pen, and its drying time.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• Saturation: How intense or bold the ink color appears on paper.
• Shading: The variation in lightness and darkness of ink when writing, adding depth to your handwriting.
• Sheen: A reflective or shiny layer on top of the dried ink (this usually happens with highly saturated inks).
• Drying Time: How fast the ink dries, important if you're a left-handed writer or dislike smudging.

2. Start with a Reliable Brand

When it comes to fountain pen inks, quality matters. Starting with well-established brands ensures you get a smooth and enjoyable writing experience right from the beginning. Some popular and beginner-friendly ink brands include:

• Pilot Iroshizuku – Known for their wide range of beautiful colors and smooth flow.
• Diamine – Affordable with a vast color range, and they work well with most pens.
• Lamy – Reliable, well-behaved inks that are great for everyday use.
• J. Herbin – One of the oldest ink manufacturers, known for their quality and historic colors.

Choosing from these brands can give you peace of mind that your ink will behave well in your pen.

3. Pick a Color That Speaks to You

Fountain pen ink offers an incredible range of colors compared to standard ballpoint or gel pens. You might want to start with a traditional color like black or blue for daily writing, but if you’re feeling adventurous, explore other shades!

Here are a few options to consider:

• Classic Black: A versatile and professional choice for any situation.
• Deep Blue: A traditional but lively alternative to black.
• Vibrant Red or Green: Great for editing, marking, or adding flair to your notes.
• Shaded Colors: Inks that offer variation in tone, such as deep purple or warm browns, can make your handwriting stand out.

As a beginner, it’s fun to experiment with different colors and find out which resonates most with your style.

4. Consider the Paper You’ll Be Using

One of the most important things to remember is that your ink will interact differently depending on the type of paper you use. Cheap or low-quality paper can cause fountain pen ink to feather (spread out) or bleed through the page. If you’re using fountain pens for journaling or work, you might want to invest in fountain pen-friendly paper like Rhodia, or Clairefontaine.

If you're using regular office paper, it's a good idea to choose an ink that's less prone to bleeding and feathering. Many manufacturers will list the ink properties, so look out for this information when selecting.

5. Decide Between Bottled Ink or Cartridges

When starting with fountain pens, you’ll need to decide if you want to use bottled ink or cartridges. Both have their pros and cons:

• Bottled Ink: More economical in the long run and environmentally friendly. It also offers a larger range of color choices.
• Cartridges: Convenient, easy to carry, and simple to swap out, but they are limited in color options and can be more expensive over time.

If you're up for some fun, bottled ink is the more rewarding choice, but if convenience is key for you, cartridges are a great way to start.

6. Consider Your Writing Style

Your writing habits can also influence the ink you choose. Do you tend to write fast? Do you prefer a fine or broad nib? If you're using a broader nib, a more saturated ink might show off its full potential, while fine nibs pair well with inks that have less shading or sheen.

For everyday writing, an ink with fast drying time can help avoid smudging, especially if you're left-handed or writing on slicker paper. If you write slowly and with care, you might enjoy an ink with more shading or sheen for added character.

7. Test Before You Commit

If possible, it’s always a good idea to test an ink before purchasing a full bottle. Many pen shops offer ink samples or testers that allow you to try different colors and brands without the full commitment. Alternatively, you can purchase small ink samples online from specialty retailers. This way, you can find the ink that truly resonates with your writing style before investing in a full bottle.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your first fountain pen ink is a fun and personal journey. Whether you opt for a classic black ink or explore the world of vibrant colors, remember that the joy of fountain pens comes from the ability to customize your writing experience. Start with a reliable brand, experiment with different colors, and don’t be afraid to explore beyond the basics. With time, you'll find the perfect ink that suits your style, personality, and the story you want to tell on paper.

Happy writing!