Best Ink For Fountain Pens 2024 Ultimate Guide

Finding the right ink for your fountain pen can be an absolute pain! After-all it’s not always extremely clear what ink suits what pen! Are you finding it tough to discover the perfect ink for your fountain pen? Well have no fear because Pen-Beast is here to help! This blog will answer all of your ink questions and get cover what is the best in for fountain pens 2024 Ultimate Guide.

This comprehensive guide aims to give you the simple snappy answers you’re looking for and make your shopping journey for top-rated inks effortless. Get ready to dive deep into the world of vibrant colors and smooth writing with our ultimate 2024 guide!

Top 3 Inks for Fountain Pens 2024

Here are three inks to choose from which will work in the vast majority of fountain pens, we have tried to find a balance between affordability, quality and personal favorites.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Ink for Fountain Pens

When choosing ink for fountain pens, you need to consider factors such as resistance to feathering, bleed-through, water damage, and fading.

Resistance to feathering, bleed-through ink, water damage, and fading

Good ink does not feather or bleed through paper. Feathering is when the ink spreads out like a bird’s feather on the page. Naturally all ink can do this if you apply too much pressure to your fountain pen but in terms of typical writing, feathering should never be an issue with good quality ink. Ink bleed-through is when the ink goes through to the other side of the page and as someone who’s had this happen on a lovely wooden desk, it can be a right pain to deal with!

Some inks can stand up to water and won’t fade over time. For example, PILOT Bottled Ink keeps its color even if it gets wet. It also lasts a long time without fading because it uses carbon particles for coloring.

Ease of cleaning from the pen

Cleaning your fountain pen is super important. If you don’t clean it, the ink can get stuck and make your writing look bad. Some inks are hard to clean from the pen, like PILOT Bottled Ink.

You should clean your pen every four weeks to keep it in good shape. Choosing an ink that’s easy to clean makes this task less of a chore. Think of it like a Japanese tea pot, to keep it in good condition you must make tea, its the same for pens. Using them and keeping them well maintained will mean you keep them working well for the years to come.

Versatility on different pen and paper types

The Waterman Serenity Blue ink shines because it works well with many pens and paper types. This ink adapts to your writing needs, making it very useful. It writes smoothly on almost any paper, which is not true for all inks.

But use caution if you’re using broad nibs on cheap printer paper – you may see some feathering and slight ink bleed-through. Yet compared to other blue inks, the Waterman Serenity Blue stands out for its versatility.

Color options and vibrancy

When choosing ink for your fountain pen, one important factor to consider is the color options and vibrancy. You want to choose an ink that offers a wide range of colors so you can express your creativity and personal style.

Vibrant inks make your writing stand out on the page, adding a touch of life and personality. The Waterman Serenity Blue is praised for its versatility and vibrant blue hue, while Pelikan Brilliant Red offers a vivid splash of color. So whether you prefer bold and bright or subtle shades, there are plenty of options available to suit your preferences.

Top 3 Ink Cartridges for Fountain Pens 2024

Here are three fantastic ink cartridges to choose from which will work in the vast majority of fountain pens, we have tried to find a balance between affordability, quality and personal favorites.

Best Overall Ink: PILOT Bottled Ink

PILOT Bottled Ink is the best overall ink for fountain pens, known for its rich, dark color and exceptional performance. Discover why this ink stands out from the rest.

Features & Description (PILOT Bottled Ink)

PILOT Bottled ink is the best overall ink for fountain pens. It is high-quality and delivers exceptional performance. The ink resists feathering, ink bleed-through, water damage, and fading, making it long-lasting and fade-resistant.

Its waterproof nature ensures that your writing stays intact even if it gets wet. PILOT Bottled Ink Black is non-bleeding, which means that it won’t spread or smudge on the paper. The ink contains pigmented carbon particles that embed into the paper, resulting in a smooth and consistent writing experience.

It is also versatile and can be used on different types of pen and paper without any issues. With its excellence in quality and performance, PILOT black Ink is not just the best black ink but also the top choice for overall use in fountain pens.

Pros & Cons (PILOT Bottled Ink)

The Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink boasts a list of impressive advantages, however, it also has a few drawbacks.

Despite the cleaning challenges, the PILOT Black ink’s durability, vibrancy, and versatility make it stand out as a top choice for fountain pen enthusiasts.

Best Blue Ink: Waterman Serenity Blue

Waterman Serenity Blue is a highly recommended blue ink for fountain pens, known for its vibrant color and smooth writing experience. Read on to discover why it’s one of our top picks!

Features & Description (Waterman Serenity Blue)

Waterman Serenity Blue is a versatile ink that can be used with any type of pen and paper. It has vibrant color options and provides a smooth writing experience. With Waterman Serenity Blue, you don’t have to worry about feathering or bleedthrough when using it with most pens on regular paper.

However, if you use a broad nib on cheap printer paper, there may be some slight feathering and ink bleed-through. Overall, Waterman Serenity Blue outperforms other blue inks and is easily rinsed away for cleaning.

Pros & Cons (Waterman Serenity Blue)

Waterman Serenity Blue is widely recognized by fountain pen aficionados for its striking hue and exceptional performance. Now, let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of this sought-after ink.

Although Waterman Serenity Blue has a few minor drawbacks, its versatility and ease-of-cleaning make it an excellent choice for both fountain pen beginners and experienced users.

Best Red Ink: Pelikan Brilliant Red

Pelikan Brilliant Red is the top choice for a vibrant and bold red ink that stands out on any page. Read more to discover why this ink is a must-have for fountain pen enthusiasts.

Features & Description (Pelikan Brilliant Red)

The Pelikan Brilliant Red ink is known for its intense and vibrant color. It offers a smooth writing experience with no smudging or smearing. This ink is compatible with various pen nib sizes and provides a consistent ink flow.

One of the standout features of this ink is its excellent shading, which adds depth and dimension to your writing. It also resists feathering and bleeding when used on different types of paper.

If you enjoy calligraphy or italic handwriting, the Pelikan Brilliant Red is an ideal choice for you. While it tends towards a warm orange tone rather than a true red color, it still delivers a bold and eye-catching result.

Pros & Cons (Pelikan Brilliant Red)

After spending some time reviewing which I think the best ink options for fountain pens in 2024, we have found that PILOT black Ink is the overall top choice. It offers excellent resistance to feathering, bleedthrough, water damage, and fading.

However, if you’re looking for specific colors or specialized properties like water resistance or writing on poor-quality paper, we recommend considering Waterman Serenity Blue or Pelikan Brilliant Red, Platinum Classic Inks. Choose the ink that suits your needs and enjoy a smooth and vibrant writing experience with your fountain pen!

FAQs

1. What is the best ink for fountain pens?

The best ink for fountain pens depends on personal preference and the type of writing you do. Some popular options include Waterman or Pilot Iroshizuku.

2. Can I use any ink in a fountain pen?

While most fountain pens can be used with a variety of inks, it is important to use high-quality fountain pen inks that are specifically designed for use with these pens. Using low-quality or incompatible inks can clog the pen or affect its performance.

3. How do I choose the right color ink for my fountain pen?

Choosing the right color ink for your fountain pen depends on your personal style and preferences. Consider factors like legibility, professionalism, and the purpose of your writing when selecting an ink color.

4. Are there waterproof inks available for fountain pens?

Yes, there are waterproof or water-resistant inks available specifically made for fountain pens. These inks offer greater durability against water damage and smudging compared to regular inks.

5. How often do I need to refill my fountain pen with ink?

The frequency of refilling your fountain pen with ink depends on various factors such as usage, nib size, and reservoir capacity. On average, you may need to refill it every 1-2 weeks if using it regularly.