What to Look for When Buying Fountain Pen Ink Bottles

Looking for the perfect fountain pen ink bottles? Learn what to look for, from color and content to shape and packaging. Get professional insight now!

 

When it comes to fountain pen ink bottles, there are many factors to consider. From the color and contents of the ink, to its shape and packaging, you'll want to find the right fit for your writing needs. Read on for professional insight into finding the perfect fountain pen ink bottle!

 

Check the Color Comparison Swatches

Before you make a purchase, check out the color comparison swatches provided by the manufacturer. These swatches will display the varying colors of each ink so you can decide which one is right for your writing needs. Additionally, they provide a good reference to compare different brands of fountain pen inks colors. Be sure to take into account how the colors appear on paper as opposed to on screen - some inks may look differently in reality than they do online!

 

Understand the Inks’ Ingredients

Checking the inks’ ingredients list can be helpful to understand the quality of the inks you are buying. Different brands have varying levels of percentages of water, dyes and other substances that determine their viscosity, resistance to fading and cleaning, and vibrancy. Most fountain pen ink bottles contain some amount of dye, so look for those listed as "Archival" or "Pigmented" on the label for more durable writing that won't fade over time.

 

Look Out for Special Effects

In addition to color and vibrancy, look for a bottle of fountain pen ink with special effects such as shimmer, sheen, or glitter. Shimmer ink is blended with light particles which produce an iridescent effect when writing on paper. Sheen inks are formulated with metallic particles that cause the ink to turn a bolder hue when smeared or rubbed. Finally, glitter inks contain highly visible particles that scatter light while they are applied to paper. This creates a visually stunning result, though the best advice may be to use glitter inks sparingly!

 

Examine the Bottle Shapes and Capacity

The bottle shape and capacity is a major factor when purchasing fountain pen ink bottles. Round shaped bottles don't take up much space, can be easy to pour, and the clear body makes it easy to monitor the ink level. However, they typically hold 2 ounces of ink or less, so you may go through a couple bottles quickly if you're an avid writer. Consider flatter containers such as tall pagoda-style where more ink is held in one unit. Fortunately many brands now offer special colored containers specifically designed for their own lines!

 

Take Note of the Packaging Design

When choosing fountain pen ink bottles, the packaging design can be just as important as the content inside. Not only will it add a unique aesthetic to your desk setup, some designs can be more practical than others. Consider whether you'll need a wide opening for easy pouring, or a thinner and longer spout instead. If you tend to store your ink bottles upright on wood surfaces check that the chosen design has a foam or cork base for added protection from spills and drips.