Fountain Pen Ink Bottle Canada

How to Choose the Right Fountain Pen Ink

Choosing a fountain pen ink comes down to three things: how you write, what paper you use, and what colours you love. For everyday writing at work or school, a well-behaved ink like Pilot Iroshizuku or Waterman gives you smooth flow, quick drying, and clean lines. For journaling and personal writing, Diamine’s range of over 100 colours, including shimmers and sheening inks, lets you express yourself on every page.

If you’re new to fountain pen inks, start with a classic: Pilot Iroshizuku Kon-peki (a stunning cerulean blue), Diamine Oxford Blue (a dependable deep blue), or Waterman Serenity Blue (one of the best-behaved inks on any paper). These are the inks we recommend most often at our Brampton store because they work beautifully in virtually any fountain pen.

Types of Fountain Pen Ink

Not all fountain pen inks are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

1. Dye-based inks: The most common type. Easy to clean, available in virtually every colour, and safe for all fountain pens. Brands like Diamine, Pilot Iroshizuku, and Sailor Jentle fall into this category.

2. Iron gall inks: More water-resistant than standard dye inks and darken over time on paper. Brands like Platinum and KWZ offer iron gall formulas. These require slightly more pen maintenance, flush your pen every few weeks.

3. Pigmented inks: Fully waterproof and archival. Sailor’s Kiwaguro (black) and Souboku (blue-black) are popular choices. Use only in pens designed for pigmented ink, and clean regularly.

4. Shimmer inks: Contain fine glitter particles that add sparkle to your writing. Diamine’s Shimmertastic range and J. Herbin’s 1670 Anniversary inks are favourites. Best used in pens with medium or broad nibs to prevent clogging.

Popular Fountain Pen Ink Brands at Blesket

1. Diamine: Made in England since 1864, Diamine offers over 100 colours at an unbeatable price point. Their 30ml and 80ml bottles are perfect for building a colour collection without breaking the bank.

2. Pilot Iroshizuku: Japan’s premium fountain pen ink line. Named after natural Japanese landscapes, Iroshizuku inks are known for their exceptional flow, subtle shading, and elegant 50ml bottles. Kon-peki, Shin-kai, and Yama-budo are customer favourites.

3. Sailor: Sailor’s Jentle (now Shikiori) inks offer delicate, well-behaved colours inspired by Japanese seasons. Their Kiwaguro and Souboku pigmented inks are some of the best waterproof options available.

4. Pelikan: The Pelikan 4001 ink range is a workhorse, affordable, reliable, and available in classic colours. Pelikan Edelstein is their premium line with richer, more saturated hues.

5. Faber-Castell: Clean, professional colours in a convenient 75ml bottle. Their carbon black and midnight blue are popular for office use.

6. Octopus Fluids: A growing favourite among ink enthusiasts. German-made with unique, vibrant colours and excellent shading properties.

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Caring for Your Fountain Pen Ink

Store your ink bottles upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always close the cap tightly after use, exposure to air can cause inks to thicken or dry out over time. When switching inks, flush your fountain pen with clean water until the water runs clear before filling with a new colour. This prevents colour contamination and keeps your pen writing smoothly.