Throughout history, we have relied on the scribes of ancient figures to tell us the stories and actions of our forebears. One thing those historical artefacts and pieces of writing have in common is that they were put to paper with an indelible ink.
If you are writing a special note or piece of work that you want to stand the test of time, a standard fountain pen ink that could be easily washed away may not be your first choice. That is why, for as long as humans have been writing with ink, we have been searching for the formula that will transcend centuries.
Yet when it comes to everyday writing, we quite often just need a robust fountain pen ink that will not run should you spill anything on it. Today, water-resistant and waterproof inks are some of the most popular options available. Here is a guide to the main types.
Standard Ink
Water-based without the addition of specific chemicals or constituents, standard ink will naturally bleed or wash if it gets wet. Nathan Tardif of Noodler's Ink -- famed for his bulletproof series -- has recounted instances where handwritten pieces have been rinsed clean in flooded basements caused by hurricanes. Standard inks are ideal for everyday writing where permanence is not a concern, and they offer the widest range of colours, sheens, and shading properties.
Water-Resistant Ink
These inks resist moisture without being specifically waterproof. They are a popular choice for those who take notepads out and about but do not need a fully indelible ink. A good middle ground between standard and fully waterproof options.
Examples: Noodler's V-Mail Series
Document Ink
Document ink is a special type of ink made by a number of manufacturers. Every layer of the ink is permanent -- as opposed to bulletproof ink, which is only permanent to the paper it touches. Each document ink must conform to ISO standard 12757 part 2 for archival quality. It is safe for all fountain pens and does not carry the risk of ink-flow issues associated with carbon inks.
Examples: De Atramentis Document Ink, Rohrer & Klingner Permanent Black
Carbon Ink
The precursor to iron-gall ink -- the basis of the first ever inks was coal or soot mixed with water. Carbon inks contain carbon particles that form an extremely waterproof ink. They are relatively scarce on today's market and tend to block everyday fountain pens if the particles are too large. They are also generally restricted to darker tones.
Examples: Platinum Carbon Ink, Sailor Pigmented Ink
Iron Gall Ink
A revolutionary development of centuries past, many historical pieces held in museums and art galleries today will have been written with iron-gall ink. Its constituents include tannic acid, iron sulphate, Arabic gum, and water. Unfortunately, in addition to its indelibility, these ingredients also make it an extremely corrosive ink.
If you look at the works of Leonardo da Vinci, for example, you will notice how the ink has damaged the paper on which he wrote. This has led to fears that many documents of historical importance are at risk. Iron-gall ink can also damage fountain pens if used carelessly.
Modern versions of the ink have been formulated to a much milder degree and, as a result, some official documents still require iron-gall ink to this day. Official records completed by registrars in the UK, for instance, must still be filled out with Registrar's ink -- a form of iron-gall.
Examples: Diamine Registrar's Ink, KWZ Iron-gall Inks
Fully Waterproof (Bulletproof) Ink
It is because of the drawbacks of carbon and iron-gall inks, along with the limitations of water-resistant formulas, that Nathan Tardif made it his goal to develop the world's first bulletproof ink. Totally safe for fountain pens, the ink can be rinsed out of the pen easily and lacks the corrosive elements of other formulas. It is only permanent to the paper it touches and can be washed out of clothing or off skin.
Noodler's bulletproof range has become one of the most popular on the market. Not only are the inks waterproof, they are also resistant to other chemicals such as bleach and UV light. Tardif once offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who could wash the ink out of paper -- his money remains safe.
Examples: Noodler's Bulletproof Inks
Which Ink Type is Right for You?
- Everyday writing with maximum colour choice: Standard ink
- On-the-go use with some moisture protection: Water-resistant ink
- Archival or official documents: Document ink or iron-gall
- Maximum permanence, pen-safe: Bulletproof ink
If you need help choosing the right ink for your needs, get in touch and we will be happy to advise.