Feathering Ink While Writing Calligraphy

Has this ever happened to you?
I'm not talking about misspelling "Vermilion", which, to be fair, is pretty common. 🤷‍♀️ The bigger problem is the out-of-control feathering of the ink. "Feathering" occurs when ink spreads out uncontrollably from the original line, creating a sort of "fuzzy" or "feathery" line edge, rather than a clean, crisp one. This happens when the ink's consistency is too thin or the paper is overly absorbent, causing the ink to wick along the paper fibers faster than it can dry.
It's a common problem, especially at the beginning of a calligraphy journey: sometimes, inks and papers just aren't compatible. The good news? There are two pretty easy solutions:
1. Use a different paper (the ink I'm using here did somewhat okay on watercolor paper).
2. Add gum arabic -- liquid or powdered; I prefer liquid -- to the ink.
I prefer to solve the problem by adding gum arabic, which is a binder/thickener, to the ink. Especially in this case, when the ink is feathering on a tried-and-true paper (a Rhodia pad hardly ever facilitates feathering ink!), I know for sure that the ink needs some thickening.
Adding gum arabic sounds like an intimidating process, but it's really not. Just get some gum arabic from your local art supplies store (or buy it online), pour just a tad into the ink, and stir it in. Then, test the ink. If it's still feathering, add a little more gum arabic, then test. Continue this process until the ink starts to behave for you!
For more info, see: thepostmanskno...

[@John_21601]

Good to know!

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@Sztefa001]

Yeah, I noticed that happens a little on the regular printing paper I use. It's an 80g one and I use brush pens. Satin 160g or thicker seem to be working better for me. The lines are still not super perfect but I'd blame my shaky hand for it xD

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

It's interesting how different paper weights can significantly impact the performance of ink, isn't it? Brush pens indeed behave differently on various paper types, and it sounds like you've done some great experimenting to find what works for you. 😊 Don't be too hard on yourself about not having 'super perfect' lines; remember, the uniqueness and slight imperfections are what give your calligraphy its character! Plus, a 'shaky hand' can improve over time with practice, patience, and perhaps some hand-strengthening exercises. Keep embracing the process, and enjoy every stroke and progress you make! 🖋️👏

[@tuluppampam]

Your so called misspelling of Vermilion isn't one. Vermillion is accepted in many dictionaries and is just a more dated spelling There's nothing wrong with it

[@LindseyBugbeeTPK]

That makes me feel better -- thank you!

[@NishaVerma-ELBN]

I am never concerned with the spell when it's about calligraphy. As am so obsessed with the flow of the letters every time I watch someone writing. It's so beautiful.......feathering smis due to the paper or the consistency of the ink ...may be. But it's too beautiful ❤️

[@Cutcopperslab]

WHY IS CALLIGRAPHY NOT TEACHED IN SCHOOL?! 😢 WHYY ARE YOU PEOPLE SO CRIMINALLY OVERRATED