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Lesson 1: Different Calligraphy Inks
As an intermediate calligrapher, it's important to know the tools that are available to you in order to achieve a certain effect. In this lesson, we'll examine several different calligraphy inks. We'll also talk about topics related to inks, like waterproofing and dilution.
1. Gouache (as Ink)
Gouache (rhymes with “squash”) is basically super opaque watercolor. You can use it to mix custom colors. Use light tones of gouache to write on dark papers for a stunning effect! If you want to make a large batch of gouache for future use, simply mix up gouache and water in a jar, then you can dip your pen directly into it. Be sure to tightly seal the jar after every use! (I just made a small batch of gouache for this video.)
Gouache inspiration:
2. India Ink
India inks are vibrant and lightfast. I love to use colored India inks for projects where I need my colors to “pop”!
India ink inspiration:
3. Iron Gall Ink
Iron gall ink is delightfully thin, allowing you to achieve incredible stroke contrast!
Iron gall ink inspiration:
4. Metallic Watercolor (as Ink)
I prefer to use metallic watercolors in lieu of metallic inks. That way, no pesky ink separation occurs (it’s the worst when pieces of glitter sink to the bottom of your ink jar, never to incorporate back in), and you can control the opacity.
Metallic watercolor inspiration:
5. Sumi Ink
Sumi ink is my go-to if I’m making something to scan … or if I just want to make a project with a nice, velvety black ink. Note that if water evaporates out of sumi ink, it can be tough to write with! Please feel free to dilute your sumi ink per this article.
Sumi ink inspiration:
6. Walnut Ink
If you’re looking for a beautiful antique-like effect, walnut ink is the way to go!
Walnut ink inspiration:
7. White Ink
Out of all the white inks I’ve tried, Bleed Proof White is my favorite!
White ink inspiration:
8. Watercolor (as Ink)
Using a watercolor palette as ink gives you the ability to take your calligraphy practice anywhere (because dry watercolor palettes are mess-free). Furthermore, you can use or mix practically any color you want, eliminating the need to invest in lots of different colors of calligraphy inks!
Watercolor (as ink) inspiration:
8A. Waterproofing Your Calligraphy
If you’re concerned about moisture damage to your calligraphy, consider applying a fixative!
(You can click here for a link to Jodean Cooper’s Fabulous Floral Flourishes tutorial!)
9. Ziller Ink
Ziller ink is the most waterproof ink that I’ve ever come across! If I’m combining watercolors with my calligraphy or sending an envelope to a wet climate, I always use Ziller inks.
Ziller ink inspiration:
9A. A Quick Tip About Combining Watercolors and Calligraphy
This video is less than a minute long, so definitely worth a watch, but here’s the gist: always write with your Ziller ink first, then apply watercolor.
10. How (and When) to Dilute Ink
A simple concept, ink dilution simply involves adding water to ink. Stirring water into your ink whenever your ink flow starts to feel “off” will help to make your writing experience more pleasant (and your ink will last longer)! If you’re unsure of the water quality where you live, use distilled water, which you can find in most supermarkets.
11. When (+ How) to Use Gum Arabic to Thicken Ink
Here’s a video that lends some clarification on when you might need gum arabic, and how to use it at that point. I’m using powdered gum arabic in the video, but the liquid gum arabic works the exact same way! Just add, stir, and test; add, stir, and test.
I hope that this lesson introduces you to some new inks! As you add to your collection, be sure to fill out the My Ink Collection sheet on page 2 of your course worksheet.
When you’re ready, take the lesson quiz to make sure you understand some core concepts, then move on to Lesson 2. If you have questions, ask in the Lesson Discussion below! I’ll answer within 24 hours.
*Links in this course lead to American merchants. For a list of international merchants, click here. This lesson contains affiliate links to Paper & Ink Arts and Scribblers.
118 responses
Hi Lindsey, I’m so happy I found your site–it’s a wonderful resource!! I always dilute my Ziller ink. Will this make it less waterproof?
Thanks so much, Susan! And that’s an excellent question with a simple (and favorable) answer: no. All the water evaporates out of the ink, just leaving the waterproof calligraphy. 🙂 Dilute away!
Hi Lindsey, Doris here. Just wondering if there’s a difference between using liquid gum arabic vs powdered form when thickening inks? I’ve seen comments online that the liquid form would increase the sheen of the inks? Thank you!
Hi Doris! Please pardon my tardy response — lots of family in town for Memorial Day weekend! It’s a pleasure to log back on to the computer and see such a good question. Gum Arabic, whether in liquid or powdered form, can indeed be used to thicken inks. The choice between the two typically comes down to personal preference and the specific effect you’re trying to achieve.
Generally, liquid gum arabic is easier to mix with ink because it’s already in a liquid form. On the other hand, powdered gum arabic allows you to have a bit more control over the thickness of your ink, as you can adjust the quantity of water you add to it. But remember, it might take a little more effort to dissolve and blend properly.
As far as the sheen goes, both forms of gum arabic – liquid and powdered – can increase the shininess or gloss of the ink once it’s properly mixed and dried. Gum arabic, a natural tree resin, has properties that enhance the luster and vibrancy of colors, making inks appear more glossy and shiny when applied to paper. However, the extent of the sheen will vary depending on factors such as the concentration of the gum arabic in the ink, the specific type of ink used, and the paper’s absorbency. Again, experimentation is key here, and it’s often a good idea to test different concentrations and combinations to achieve the desired result.
Remember, when using powdered gum arabic, it’s important to ensure it’s fully dissolved to avoid any granulation that could interfere with a smooth application of the ink.
In the end, I would suggest trying out both forms to see which one suits your style and needs the best. I, personally, use liquid gum arabic because I find it to be more convenient.
Hi Lindsey! What’s the difference between white gouache and Dr. Martin’s Bleedproof White?
Great question! Gouache and Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleedproof White (BPW) are both opaque watercolors, but there are some key differences. First: white gouache is very amenable to mixing with other gouaches, while BPW is not meant for mixing. Second, I’ve noticed that BPW tends to dry with a little more shine, while white gouache tends to be pretty matte. Generally, I prefer using BPW for white calligraphy because of convenience: it comes in a dip pen-friendly bottle, and you can just take off the lid and take it from there, usually after mixing a little bit of water in (unless you’ve recently used the BPW and it’s still infused with enough water). Gouache usually requires a bit more fuss because it comes in tubes — though I suppose you could transfer the gouache to a jar and use it like BPW? In general, though, a high-quality white gouache like Schmincke and BPW will give you very similar results!
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