Creating your own shimmer inks

In this video I show you how to turn your regular fountain pen inks into shimmer inks with a very easy and simple process.
*NOTE* I know some fountain pen retailers mention not to use this in fountain pens. Although I haven't had any problem whatsoever in my TWSBI Diamond 580AL's, I believe it's partly because dip pen calligraphers typically use Pearl Ex in combination with Gum Arabic to create an ink from it, the Gum Arabic makes it more viscous, I'm not using Gum Arabic here, so I don't believe that will be an issue and I certainly haven't had any issues so far in my pens. That said, the particles are pigments and pigmented inks can clog up some fine channels on fountain pen feeds, so pigmented inks and the likes of other types of inks like India inks and Iron Gall inks are typically suggested not to be used in regular fountain pens. I wouldn't put any shimmer inks into expensive pens, so I always keep shimmer inks whether they are Diamine, J Herbin or my home made ones in this video dedicated to my TWSBI DIamond 580AL's, so worst case if I do have a problem over time, I don't mind so much throwing the pen away. Please do use/experiment at your own risk though.
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[@Michelt007]

One of the most impressive ink video I ever saw! It opens all new venues for pen enthusiasts to experiment with ink and glitter!

[@PenultimateDave]

Thank you!

[@twitch7515]

15:50 It is my understanding that the reason why some people say that Lamy Vibrant Pink doesn't have much glitter in it is because the gold that you find in Lamy Pink isn't an additive! It's a precipitate. Vibrant Pink is so vibrant that it is a bit unstable. It can form flakes of gold over time. The amount of precipitate you experience will depend upon the age of the ink, how much water has evaporated, temperature, and any other factor that might help a precipitate fall out of solution.

[@billclockwell]

Going through all of that with only a single drop of lamy blue on the tissue is very impressive

[@anna-belladruidd8100]

WOW that's impressive Dave!!! Fire and Ice with blue glitter is mouthwatering 🎆

[@PenultimateDave]

Thanks, I thought so too!

[@VaracolacidVesci]

This is known as mica powder. You can find it everywhere... i think it should work but i woudnt use it with any irreplasable pen.

[@kapirk2244]

Nicely done Dave. I would like to try this on a few inks, and I may have to get some Apache Sunset now.

[@user-xt4jy6qq6e]

Thank you, so useful! I already mix up my own ink colours from cheap inks, this will add a whole new dimension for less than a bottle of 'fancy' ink. I appreciate your safety tips too, now my enthusiasm for a great idea won't overtake some sensible safely precautions.

[@PenultimateDave]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sentient.ball.of.stardust]

Wow this is gonna save my underwhelming Apache Sunset! Thanks Dave.

[@UARELOVE1010]

Wonderful! I cannot wait to try this. Thanks for sharing.

[@athenapn4217]

Thanks for this, excellent instruction here! My very modest tip to add is that modestly-priced small plastic spatulas are usually available in the cosmetics aisles of most drug stores like RiteAid in the US & Boots in the UK (at least they were at Boots when last I was there some years back.) Thanks again!

[@PenultimateDave]

Definitely a good idea, I should have probably got some proper spatulas. Never thought of Boots!

[@gammawolf2000]

Never thought of this awesome!

[@apontutul]

Nitrogen looks out of the world. Wow. Got to try it

[@korhashamo]

I added aztez gold to a J. Herbin Rouge Hematite sample I purchased that had no visible gold particles. I also added a teeny tiny bit of dish soap to the ink to make it run a bit wetter. I then put in my pilot vanishing point (fine nib) last week and it's worked wonderfully. I also have a shimmer ink in my Lamy 2K. I don't have a problem with putting shimmers in nice pens bc my thought process is that a nice pen should be able to handle shimmer. I didn't pay $150+ to treat the damn things with kids gloves - like they're more fragile than Bic ballpoints‼️

[@michaelsimon4034]

Fascinating--thank you!

[@tonyshaw13]

ooo, thank you for showing us all how easy this is

[@AnInkGuy]

I don't like shimmer inks but for people that do like them this is an awesome video.

[@j.vincent3625]

AWESOME!...🤩...THANK YOU X10 DAVE...THIS VID IS SPECTACULAR! I'm gonna do it to some of my Hero, Quink, and definitely Apache sunset inks.Thanks again.

[@richardsimms251]

Very educational video. Thanks

[@GabbyBennet]

I would like you do a write example with that modified ink

[@Heldinnn]

Very nice! I’m really curious about what pink with blue shimmer would look like now...

[@PenultimateDave]

I'll see if I can make some up over the next few days :)

[@migueloxamendi4284]

I wonder if this powder is as fine as those used in commercial inks. This would be fun to use with a dip pen. I'm too cautious to try DIY or commercial glitter inks in a fountain pen

[@PenultimateDave]

It's hard to tell for sure but I think its the same side particles, it's ultra fine. They say it ranges between the various pigment powders between 10 and 60 microns per particle. I've inked them up in a number of TWSBI Diamond 580AL's using 1.5mm stubs like I do with my Diamine Shimmertastic and J Herbin 1670 inks, and the inks perform as good as Diamine and J Herbin. You get a little clog now and then but you do with Diamine and J Herbin too if you get too many particles bunching up at once.

[@rotzfrosch0970]

Don't be weak! I know what you mean, but it works perfect. You can use Eyeshadow too. I tried this with a Montblanc fountain pen and I had no struggle. It's all mica powder. You have to shake it very well before using.

[@lisaleone2296]

I would say no. I tried an experiment where I added PearlEx powder (50-60 microns according to the labl) to the non-glistening version of Colorverse Stars & Stripes and compared it to the glistening version and I feel the one I mixed had larger particles. I did the same with a 2-10 micron pearlescent white mica powder I ordered from a cosmetics reseller (TKB Trading) and its particles are definitely smaller, closer to the size of those in the Diamine Shimmertastic inks. It could however be a function of the color of the mica and whether the edges of the particles "blend" in with the base color or contrast with it. I think there are multiple factors at work. To me, if I can make out individual sparkle particles with the naked eye, I am not going to put it in a "good" pen......

[@kargandarr]

A flat craft stick would make a very good spatula for that purpose.

[@MsIllusionista]

Exactly what I was looking for. I'm not sure if the cosmetic grade pigments will work, but I may just try it ;D Thank you!

[@PenultimateDave]

I haven't had any problems with the Pearl Ex pigment so far, I've been using them for a couple of months. I always dedicate my TWSBI Diamond 580 AL's to shimmer ink because they are easy to clean and easy to see where the pigment sticks to the barrel of the pen. I've been using the inks I've made up for about a month now in the TWSBI's with no problems whatsoever. I'm using them with 1.5mm stub nibs and have found them to not clog anymore compared to Diamine Shimmertastic or J Herbin 1670 inks, so give it a go and see how you get on! :)

[@SabotPottery]

Talk about Organic's nitrogen being a stainer, I spilt half a bottle on my drafting table last week and got it everywhere. It's a cracking ink but stains everything it touches. Great video as usual and very informative and inspiring. Regards from Salisbury East in South Australia.

[@PenultimateDave]

I still have two bottles of it and am scared to use it for that very reason, whenever I open a bottle and I get some crusty ink dots of powder on the desk, no matter how I try to clean it up it smears like crazy. I think the only way is to not wipe, just to dust it with a brush. If the ink is wet though, there's no other option!

[@ameliabuns4058]

Ordered some from a different brand. Let's hope it works ^~^

[@jorgealvarez0525]

This is such a great idea. Have you experienced any long term effects of using this ink?

[@PenultimateDave]

No long term effects.

[@ameliabuns4058]

Warning: I was impatient for my pigment and used eyeshadow. It clogs your pens and doesn't show, however when using a w tip to write it looks so pretty!

[@PenultimateDave]

Yeah eye shadow has a completely different make up and won't flow properly.

[@ameliabuns4058]

@@PenultimateDave worth the curiosity! hopefully my pigments arrive tomorrow. they're a random Iranian brand so i'm worried they're not fine enough

[@lilbluefreak]

@@ameliabuns4058 Aliexpress has some AMAZING pigments, glitters and duochromes available that you could try. Personally, I'd steer clear of their makeup and nail section tho because those ones tend to be way overpriced and not very generous on the portions, tho still gorgeous. If you look for the same thing but in like the crafts, paint and candle making section you can get ALOT more product for a fraction of the price. I currently have a 6 pack and an 8 pack set of these REALLY pretty two toned, iridescent duochrome whatever they are powders in my cart for roughly $5/ea (per set, not jar, lol) and it's 10g/jar so you end up walking away with like 60-80+grams of pigments for less than $5. Ever since they stepped up their game with the color shifting duochrome nail powders & polishes, eyeshadows and paints, it's just been insane with the amount of all the new products they've created with them. The moment I discovered that you CAN actually put glitter into pen ink I've been obsessed with all the cool stuff I could make with it! Lol If Pentel can make color shifting ink for pens, why can't I?! 😂

[@MotoMarta]

Nitrogen... with... glitter... did you wear sunglasses for that one? :o

[@PenultimateDave]

Yes it can be a bit over powering!

[@sahizzurp]

Wow, Nitrogen is beautiful.

[@richardsimms251]

Very, very beautiful

[@MatsAndersson]

What will this stuff do to your pens and converters? Is it difficult to clean out?

[@PenultimateDave]

I've put it in TWSBI Diamond 580 piston filling pens and I have had no problems either in the nib or feed or it getting stuck in pens. I would only put it in a demonstrator that I can both see and also disassemble easily just to be sure.

[@MexieMex]

I have mica powder for candle making, is that the same stuff and safe to use in fountain pens?

[@PenultimateDave]

I've never tried mica powder, I use Pearl Ex as it's very micro fine pigment. I have heard of some trying mica but don't know the thickness of the particulate.

[@haiquoc2013]

How do you turn ballpoint pen ink into metallic ink?

[@morna45]

Very impressive! Now, how do the pens clean up from this stuff?

[@PenultimateDave]

Just like any shimmer ink they clean up fine, you just need to clean them more than any regular ink just to get rid of the shimmer particles from nibs and feeds.

[@ameliabuns4058]

@@PenultimateDave maybe an ultrasonic cleaner would help!

[@lizdelisle1912]

This nice to know! I have a few bottles of ink that just don’t do it for me anymore,but I don’t have the heart to toss them! Changing them with the glitter powder would possibly wake them up!

[@ameliabuns4058]

@@lizdelisle1912 I ahve never thrown anything. You never know what you might love one day!

[@lizdelisle1912]

@@ameliabuns4058 that’s right! I’m already looking at those inks differently!

[@KB1.1]

Hi. Would it be possible to see writing samples using these ink? Thank you very much.

[@PenultimateDave]

Unfortunately I don't have writing samples as this video was recorded over 2 years ago. I do have writing samples on my other newer ink videos though.

[@KB1.1]

@@PenultimateDave I tried looking for another DIY shimmer video in your videos but couldn’t find it. May I ask for a link? Really curious about the performance of your ‘homemade’ shimmer inks. By the way, have you had any problems using them since you posted the video two years ago?

[@janatunegova9345]

Hi, I have a question. If you add only pearlex powder without any binding aditive, would it not smear after dried? I have a feeling nothing is holding it on the page and it would just come off...

[@PenultimateDave]

Good question, I haven't found it smears off the page, I think because it dries within the ink.

[@ironshark1000]

So does this work with a fountain pen, without any problems?

[@PenultimateDave]

Yes, just like any shimmer inks from Diamine and J.Herbin are fountain pen friendly, these are fountain pen friendly. You will find that any particulate in ink won't flow well in Extra Fine and Fine nibs, so I typically use more broader nibs for shimmering inks.

[@hisham56hamilton50]

Thanx Dave , but is the pen going to clogg after adding the glitter? Can I have the ink in the pen for 2 days without clogging? Thanx again Dave very interesting ideas.

[@PenultimateDave]

It all depends on the pen and how good your seal is. If you don't use the pen for weeks it may clog but then again I have TWSBI's that never dry out and haven't had clogging issues with shimmer inks.

[@hisham56hamilton50]

@@PenultimateDave thanx I will try it. Brillant idea Dave.

[@_b_l_x_c_k_]

I wonder if i want the ink to be more transparent. Is it okay if i mix it a little with water before painting?

[@PenultimateDave]

Adding more water will certainly dilute the ink but it will make it more lighter.

[@schattenprinz]

If you get some of the powder on your desk, try to take it off with sticky tape.

[@animula6908]

I was wondering if I could just crush eyeshadow with shimmer and use it for this. I’m pretty devil may care with my pens and inks. I only have cheap stuff I can afford to ruin, plus I use dip pens a lot. Hard to ruin them. Plus eyeshadow isn’t as hazardous as that powder stuff. But I suspect they put that stuff in the shimmer eye shadow lol. Makes me wonder what I’m doing to myself with my cosmetics.

[@richardsimms251]

Good idea with the eyeshadow. RS. Canada

[@tkraid2575]

The eyeshadow micas are usually cosmetic grade so it's safe around the eyes unless you're allergic to some of it's ingredients.

[@alelvi123]

How did the fountain pens hold up over time with the glitter inks ? I’d like to try this but am scared of permanently clogging the nibs …😬

[@PenultimateDave]

Providing you flush them out between ink changes, I've not had any issues with them, although only used them mostly in TWSBI Diamond 580's.

[@GR8FLMD3AD]

❤

[@jennyashley1971]

What brand is nitrogen?

[@PenultimateDave]

Organics Studio.

[@richardsimms251]

Beautiful for sure.

[@gstfrr2]

I'm almost 100% sure that this pigment is mica powder.

[@PenultimateDave]

Yes, "Pearl Ex is a popular brand of pure mica powder" thebluebottletree.com/mica-powder-vs-pigment-powder/

[@gab194bbece7]

I rather not use shimmery inks because I’m too cautious of my fountain pen

[@duc696monster6]

Good if you write with a q-tip..

[@marvinjuarez4649]

This video should be called: mixing a bunch of ink rather than creating.

[@cipherxen2]

This video actually has content of only 30 seconds. Unnecessarily made video of 30 minutes.

[@PenultimateDave]

Strangely Magnus, with nearly 10k views and over 60 comments on the video, if you took the time to actually watch the video or read the comments you will have discovered that many like this video. I'm sorry that you don't see it this way, perhaps you should go and watch someone elses video and actually try to teach yourself something for a change! You might actually learn something!

[@cipherxen2]

@@PenultimateDave I already learnt a lot watching other channel's videos (which are way shorter and have way more content). Can you justify making 30 minutes of video for 30b seconds of content? And don't give subjective answers.

[@PenultimateDave]

Yes because if you took the time to both watch my other ink comparison videos and read the comments this is EXACTLY what people have asked me for, to show the before and after and understand the entire process. So fortunately I am giving all of these people exactly what they asked for.

[@cipherxen2]

@@PenultimateDave What's difficult to understand in this process? Just mix powder to ink that's it.

[@pinkpanther5379]

There is no creation* of* ink* going* on*. You are just adding glitter. And you didn't so any writing sample either.

[@ImCFoxx]

Fun experiment- no need to get cheeky about it. Great to try it. Making your own small quantity of shimmer and is such a good idea.

[@SabotPottery]

He showed you how to create the shimmer in the ink, not the ink (he assumed you have the ink to start with), and if you weren't listening, Dave actually said he wouldn't do a writing sample, but would try and do one at a later date. He's trying to help those of us who want to experiment with our hobby of using fountain pens with trying different inks, I think he does a really good job in explaining the process.