Ink Pen Roundup for Watercolor Line & Wash

Its InkTober so in honor of the month we look at Ink pens, which make a great companion to watercolor for ink and wash technique. There are tons of choices, so here we look at the most popular categories for ink and wash and talk about their various features.
One clarification. At 14:00 I mention putting whatever permanent ink you want in a fountain pen thats piston filled. I should have said, any ink rated safe for fountain pens. Some permanent inks like India Ink or Acrylic Inks will ruin your pen. Thanks.
Inktober.com
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for looking.)
Liner Examples
Sakura Pigma Micron - amzn.to/2dEh4Zw
Copic Multiliner - amzn.to/2egJiMm
Faber Castell Pitt Artist pen - amzn.to/2doNhSU
Staedtler Pigment Liner - amzn.to/2dC55Nn
Brush Pen Examples
Pentel Pocket Brush - amzn.to/2d149TD
Pentel Color Brush - amzn.to/2egL3t6
Zebra Brush Pen - amzn.to/2dXUm25
Pilot Brush Pen - amzn.to/2dDzAVF
Kuretake Brush Pen - amzn.to/2dDyKZb
Tombow Brush Pen - amzn.to/2dEhOOh
Jetpens.com brush pen sampler - www.jetpens.com...
Dip Pen Examples
Leonardt Drawing Kit - amzn.to/2dDxoNR
Speedball Drawing Kit - amzn.to/2dEeXVR
Tachikawa Nib Holder - amzn.to/2doLVaZ
Zebra G Nib - amzn.to/2dEg3Ri
Dr. Martin's Black Star India Ink - amzn.to/2d152LY
Dr. Martin's Hydrus Watercolor - amzn.to/2doNaqw
Fountain Pen Examples
Noodler's Ahab Flex - amzn.to/2e1Vdur
Lamy Safari Fine - amzn.to/2dC4V8L
Rotring Art Pen - amzn.to/2dH0glh
Copic Drawing Pen - amzn.to/2dXU2Aq
Noodler's Bullet Proof Black ink - amzn.to/2doNRQQ
Platinum Carbon ink - amzn.to/2e2ObtC
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[@mindofwatercolor]

One clarification. At 14:00 I mention putting whatever permanent ink you want in a pen thats piston filled. I should have said, any ink rated safe for fountain pens. Some permanent inks like India Ink or Acrylic Inks will ruin your pen. Thanks.

[@Createfulart]

okay thanks

[@anitagrimsbo8853]

The Mind of Watercolor o PlplpupP

[@Killer_Oldman]

You probably know this already, but noodler's bulletproof inks specifically bind to cellulose. They can/will run with heavier applications on 100% cotton paper if you are doing washes on top of them. I think light linework tends to be fine though, but I stick to the Pigma's and Copic Multiliners since aside from setting your painting on fire they are there forever once dry. I tend to do my linework on top though to avoid issues regardless. Old post, but Kuretake makes a sable hair brush (fountain) pen as well that I really love. Takes a lot of control, even more than the pentel, but you can use any fountain pen ink in it. There are G-nib (flexible nib) conversions for fountain pens as well that are neat for drawing, at least on hot press paper. Neat channel, love watching your videos. :-) They have been a huge help in learning watercolors.

[@JeanLurssen]

I use a dip pen with watercolor to sign my watercolor paintings. It gives me much more control than using a brush.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Jean Lurssen yes good idea!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Yes I am definitely going to have to get some pens to try and add to my supplies. A huge amount of help explaining the difference between the types. I didn’t realize just how much there was. Thanks again for sharing this with us.

[@kimlindseyOH]

I'm a fountain pen (i.e., FP) user who's just getting into watercolor, & catching up with your vlog when I can (years late, LOL). Not sure if you'll see this question, but on the off chance ... Normal "FP-friendly paper" (like Clairefontaine) is sooooo smooth, and watercolor paper better not be! It seems like the FP nib would pick up fibers from the watercolor paper and get clogged, or even that the watercolor pigments would do so. Do you need to floss your FP tines or perform other cleaning tasks to keep the nib clear? I'm gonna ink up a spare pen and give this a go soon - maybe a line drawing over washes (love those!). Thanks Steve!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Personally I've never had a problem using a fountain pen on watercolor paper. It's never picked up the fibers at all. Here are 2 videos where inking was done with fountain pen on watercolor paper. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4e4q4yJZa-bfNk kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqXNq6l-p9CHha8

[@jayboehm3382]

That was an amazingly helpful intro to this type of art supply. I've been wanting to get into Ink & Wash but was daunted by the selection. You've just cleared this up beautifully!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Best pen to start with for line and wash are liners (like Sakura Pigma Microns or Staedtler Pigment liners). Simple, easy to find, archival pigment thats permanent and waterproof.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

My recommendations for waterproof fountain pen inks are Platinum Carbon Black, De Atramentis Document Brown, De Atramentis Document Dark Red, and my own workhorse, Noodler’s Lexington Gray. The Platinum Carbon Black is a pigment ink and should not be used in an expensive fountain pen, but rather a lower end one, preferably one that can be cleaned and does not dry out between uses, for example a TWSBI Eco or EcoT with an extra fine nib. (Or a wider nib like a fine or even medium if you prefer a bolder line.) It’s an excellent piston-filled pen that won’t break the bank and can be disassembled for cleaning. You can get a transparent one so you can monitor ink supply and any issues. Although the carbon pigment ink is the most finicky, it’s better to use a pen like this or one of the cheap Chinese ones (filled from a bottle with a cartridge converter) for all waterproof inks. Another possibility is one of the fairly inexpensive piston-filled pens with flex nibs like the Ahab from Noodler’s. You can also swap in a flex nib like those made by Fountain Pen Revolution onto one of the Chinese pens like a Jinhao X159, and there are videos on how to do that. Flex nibs have a bit of a learning curve, but they can add expressive line variation and are fun to use for both drawing and writing. The Platinum ink is made for fountain pens, but eventually it does leave enough dried residue that it will need to be cleaned out. NEVER use regular drawing inks in fountain pens. The Lexington Gray can be also be loaded into a waterbrush straight or in dilutions. It dries quickly, can be layered, and is totally waterproof and archival. I prefer it to black. It’s a joy to draw and write with a fountain pen with a smooth nib. (Lots of videos on that and how to tweak nibs, but if you get a TWSBI it should be good out of the box.) You can put it in your pocket, pack some paper or a bound notebook or pad of paper you like, and be ready to draw anywhere. Add a pocket-sized folding tin with wells of your favorite watercolors dried in them, some water, and a travel brush, and you’ve got a highly portable studio ready to go urban sketching or nature walking.

[@MarkWatsonTX]

Platinum Carbon Black is fantastic for use with watercolors. It is absolutely rock solid once dry, even more so than Noodler's Bulletproof Black. Highly recommended!

[@mindofwatercolor]

So I've heard. Thanks for the input!

[@johns80schick]

Great info. I bought a zebra brush pen. I can't wait to try it out.

[@mchris1020]

So much good information--love your product/supply reviews. Planning on "dipping" into ink very soon so very timely for me. Thank you!

[@janisvogt1079]

It's good to see you on again. Hope the flooding didn't effect you or your loved ones too terribly. Was thinking and praying for the safety of you and family.

[@mindofwatercolor]

No issues. We aren't on the coast so only a little rain and wind. Thanks for thinking of us.

[@janisvogt1079]

That's good.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

Thank you so much for this! I've been going crazy looking for waterproof pens for my washes and I'm not a fan of sketching with technical pens given the dry feel. Those "hard" brushpens look like just the ticket.

[@Zoiekiwicoco]

Another option if you want dip pen nib line variation with the ink storage capacity of a fountain pen is the Desiderata Pen Co. They are made and sent with a Zebra G nib in place and are eye dropper fill pens. Very handy to have and I use mine with the Platinum Carbon black or carbon sepia ink. Much more portable without all the dipping.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the tip.

[@Zoiekiwicoco]

Oh and by the way, I love your vids!

[@blanejnasveschuk6351]

Very nice overview. Wish to emphasize more frequent and regular fountain pen maintenance, with the lightfast, waterproof, pigment based inks (as compared to dye based inks). Be sure your chosen equipment allows ease of this necessity. Besides Noodler’s Black and Platinum Carbon Black, De Atramentis Document Black is worthy of consideration due to permanence and archival quality most artists look for.

[@condorreades2148]

Pilot precise V5 ; Pilot G2 gel…. and Uniball Vision, Uniball gel. Last longer and cost less. You can use them as watersoluble or as almost waterproof depending on when you add water.

[@edrymes3653]

Well that certainly brought back painful memories. Back in the day, after the last dinosaur left they used to teach "penmanship" with dip pens and an industrial type of yellow craft paper. Being a south paw (leftie) there was no way of preventing the nib from tearing up the paper. Other than that, a good informative discussion on pens. I find using ink in some of my works adds a whole new dimension to it.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah, I bet that was a pretty big issue. Thankfully, pen choices are so good now that for most purposes dip pens aren't really necessary. Ink definitely makes for a neat look.

[@QueenWaspGo]

I'm mostly left handed, but I don't curl my wrist around like I've seen others do. As long as you turn your paper, you can make dip pens work.

[@jayden1719]

9:03 I got my first ink bottle for my new dip pens. I knocked it over immediantly, and it spilt on my carpet. Couldn't even use a steam cleaner because the ink was waterproof. (After hours of dabbing the carpet, and bottles of rubbing alchoal, it partially came out.)

[@mindofwatercolor]

😩

[@jordanarguilla378]

My favorite sketching pen is the platinum carbon desk pen in extra fine! I'm still getting used to the Safari and Ahab. They just seem too short and light for huge hands. The Carbon has a long and skinny handle so it feels balanced in my hand even though it is the lightest pen I own. I'm planning on either getting a Pilot Namiki Falcon or a Pelikan M200 for my next (higher end) sketching pen.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I've only just starting using the Platinum but I like it very much.

[@khaellar]

Hi, I'm absolutely in love with your videos. I've recently gotten into ink and watercolour illustrations and this video definitely helped on choosing my inking tools, the brush pens are amazing! But would you ever think of doing a more in depth video or guide on watercolour and ink illustrating, and perhaps share what kind of paper I should be using for my techniques? One of the biggest problems I'm having is that when I ink a sketch it comes across as very one dimensional and flat, and I don't know where or how to do ink crosshatching or shading effectively to make it look better.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I'll have more inking videos coming. Also just find good ink artists and study their work, maybe start a Pinterest board. It takes time and practice.

[@jillrobbins4488]

Thank you for all your very useful information!

[@lisathaviu1154]

I know you said that you don't use any fountain pens that cost more than $40, which in general is a good rule. However, if you decide to make an exception, I would recommend a Pelikan 200 series, which costs around $100. Pelikans have a wonderful flexible tip. About a million years ago, when I was in college, I used Pelikan pens filled with Kohinoor Rapidograph ink to draw on acetate. I don't recall what the older Pelikans were called, but they were about the same as a 200 series (but cost a lot less.) I used the acetate drawings for photo a sensitive process for silkscreen prints, or for lithography on aluminum plates using a diazo photographic process. The technical pen ink worked well with the pens as long as I remembered to clean out the pens every week or so. Since I was using them pretty much every day, they did not clog up. They worked very well for drawing on paper too. At the time, I used Arches or Rives printmaking paper, which has a soft texture but not much sizing. I have a new Pelikan 200 series and the point is also really flexible but I have not tried anything but Noodler's black in it, which works very well for drawing.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the recommendation. The $40 level isn't really a rule, just sort of happened that way. I really just didn't want to spend much at the time. Actually most of my pens are less than $20. Only my Faber Castell Loom is $40. My favorite pen is the Lamy Safari.

[@lisathaviu1154]

If I am out and about and don't want to risk losing a $200 pen, my new go-to is the Jin Hao 159 which you can get on Amazon for about $8. Not a flexible nib, but has a good ink flow. I will give the Lamy a try. When they first came out many years ago, Lamy's were not so good, but I am hearing a lot of good things about them for sketching so they must have greatly improved them.

[@uhnopeitsjustmenic]

Something to keep in mind for people is that to be very careful about the Amazon listings when searching for the Carbon Black ink! There's one that says it sells the ink mentioned in the video, but actually sells the watersoluble black ink that Platinum makes instead. The watersoluble one is packaged as Platinum Black ink (and pictured as such), but with the listing including the label of CARBON. The error has lead to many confused buyers from that listing. This is the one people should keep a look out for (as of posting this comment, the link provided in the description seems to be a copy/paste error): www.amazon.com/Platinum-carbon-bottle-black-japan/dp/B0028MTSFQ There is also a similar pigment ink to the Platinum Carbon Black, which is the Sailor Kiwa-Guro Black ink. Both pigment inks perform great with pretty much the same properties, but some people have complained about the smell for the Sailor ink. I've personally haven't noticed much in that regards for the Sailor ink though. www.amazon.com/Sailor-Kiwa-Guro-Pigmented-Black-Bottle/dp/B002WM5EYQ/ There are also coloured pigment inks that these two brands produce on top of these two black inks. As fountain pen safe as them as well, so something to keep in mind. Expensive for the amount you get (especially for the Sailor STORiA line of coloured pigment inks), but they're pretty nice, especially for mixing along with the benefits of using a pigmented fountain pen ink. On the other hand, for the average price on Amazon (including Prime shipping) for the full set of 8 STORiA inks, one could get the full set of Ph. Martin's Bombay coloured india inks and still have leftover funds to purchase other items suitable for the latter inks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Ok, thanks for the input. This was by no means an extensive review but just a quick overview of the various pen categories. The rabbit hole on pens and inks goes very deep. Thanks again for the added info.

[@mindofwatercolor]

And thanks for the copy/paste error find. I've corrected it.

[@CC-ho5lw]

Hi Steve! Such excellent information here. Thank you. I’d like to get the Rotring art pen but with a sepia cartridge but I’m having trouble finding a cartridge that isn’t black? Is your sepia made by Rotring or is it another brand? Can any brand of cartridge fit a Rotring art pen? Thanks! 🖊

[@mindofwatercolor]

It takes a universal cartridge I think. I don't have them in front of me. It was a Rotring Sepia cartridge yes. You should be able to use a universal converter.

[@CC-ho5lw]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you.

[@jessjtadesigns]

Learned more from this, thanks, I never knew some of those water soluble ones, gonna give it a go🎨

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Thank you so much for this video. I love ink over watercolors. Hugs!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Connie!

[@Createfulart]

I had fun doing inktober last year, but this year I am busy with my kids channel doing #artober. I would to have known about all these pens, so thank you for this video. I usually use Micron but I think I will use Brush Pens next!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool, glad it was a help and best of luck with #artober!

[@mikehanson5828]

The Mind of Watercolor n

[@maryriley6163]

Thanks, for doing the Pen roundup. I always loved a fountain pen but they seemed to dry in the nib. That was about 40 years ago. Maybe the ink has improved or maybe I just didn't know how to clean them or something. I usually use the Micron now.

[@pentoxikated]

Sir, can you please suggest some waterproof inks to use with fountain pens and brush pens?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Platinum Carbon and Noodlers Bulletproof black. They need to dry thoroughly before they become waterproof and may still smear a little on certain papers.

[@grandma.p]

This video is very helpful. Thank you.

[@francoisederocher]

Excellent info. Would you use these tools on cold press paper or hot press?

[@mindofwatercolor]

You can use pens on both. Cold press will be a bit more absorbent and show texture which usually translate to some skipping with a pen. Also good for ink and wash is multimedia sketchbooks like Stillman and Birn Zeta series amzn.to/2e7lp5N

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

Hi Steve, thanks for the above info. I find these demos's to be most informative and helpful....however after sourcing the "Pental brush Pen" in OZ, I have not been happy with it. Even though I take great care with the shape/ point,my brush pen keeps splitting into two section, therefore,I cannot control it as much as I would like. I was disappointed with it. Maybe I just do not have the skills required to manipulate this brush. Hope all is well in Sth.C. :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Want to learn Reidy I bet you got a bad one. They are a phenomenal brush. Never had that issue. I can get a micro fine line with the tip.

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

Hi Steve, after watching this clip and the one on Bird painting ( pen and wash) I was SO enthusiastic to produce my own, that I forgot to double check that the pen I was using was waterproof....silly girl. The obvious happened, as soon as I added the first section of my wash the black ink bleed onto the crisp white paper....... I persevered and worked around this issue. In future, I will head your words of advice and double check the pen I am about to use.

[@followyourbrush]

Oh! Look what I found! I’m studying!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Great!

[@followyourbrush]

@@mindofwatercolor I also watched a great one by MD Campbell. Saw your joint conversation with Marty too.

[@MaryG0725]

I just inherited a fountain pen from my parents circa 40’s or 50’s. It sits in a shiny black half-sphere. The pen itself is black and has a clear pointy end. The engraving says Esterbrook. It’s probably not been used for decades - maybe even a half century. I’d love to use it but know it will take special care to rehab it. I am a beginning inker so know nothing about pens. Any advice?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Easterbrook is a quality pen brand I've heard but I know little about them. I don't think they exist anymore and were bought out by another company in the 60s. Calligraphers sometimes collect their vintage dip pen nibs and you can find those on Ebay. Not sure about the fountain pen. It may be collectible and worth some money. Is it clogged? If I were you I would try putting a pen cleaner through it. Check out this page for process. www.jetpens.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-fountain-pen/pt/259 Sadly many people used to put india ink in fountain pens and they were ruined because of it. India ink is not for fountain pens. Being a vintage pen I would only put water soluble ink in it. Noodler's Bullet Proof inks (comes in black and various colors) is a good ink. Its water-soluble until put on cellulose paper then it becomes permanent.

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

Also check out Goulet Pens (KZbin videos and website) and Anderson Pens. Both have info on how to clean and maintain pens. Depending on the fill mechanism in the pen will depend on what needs to be done.

[@blanejnasveschuk6351]

I, too, recommend contacting Goulet Pens. Brian has broad knowledge base of current and past manufacturers, model idiosyncrasies and details of maintenance… rehab if required. Have fun with the Easterbrook!

[@dirku63]

Have you tested your brush pen category pens for waterproofness? I think they are more or less soluble.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, all brush pens show were tested and waterproof.

[@marcwheeler4406]

Thiscwas very helpful

[@mediamst]

Microns leak for me too frequently. Not bouncing them around either.

[@Vic101able]

Yes this was very helpful thanks.

[@timelessmemories5150]

thanks as per usual very good in lots of info

[@dech4548]

Did I miss where you talked about the Pitt FB? Is it waterproof and what category?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, mentioned at about the 1:39 point. Waterproof.

[@Eesoteric43]

Thanks for the continued great content! Do you have any ink specific drawings you can share for inktober?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I've shared a couple on Instagram (mirrored on my Facebook page) and the next video I'm planning will be an ink and wash landscape. See links on my channel page or channel About page.

[@creativeplanetjanet]

I wonder why it's called "Pen and Ink." I mean, why would anyone use a pen without ink?

[@pablomiezavarela8358]

Interesting demonstration. Gracias The Mind.

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@abbyrivers9971]

I love the Rotring pens

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@randallinfuso5002]

What brand of sepia ink is in the Rotring Art pen?

[@mindofwatercolor]

It was just a Rotring sepia cartridge I think.

[@tedkeasey8625]

Which pen does Reese like? :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Any of them he can firmly clench between his teeth. 😄

[@victoriagarcia6768]

Great video

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@karinsagren4941]

Great video! Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@condorreades2148]

Pigma micron - great pens but dry up very fast.

[@OrionFineArt]

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INTRO!? I LOVED THEM!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Don't worry, they'll be back. Sometimes I need to bang out a quick video and it saves on editing time. Getting you regular, useful content is my aim. I've been doing non-intro videos since the start. I used to call them minis but most are almost as long as the others. I enjoy doing the intros when I can so they aren't going anywhere.

[@HoodieCatProductions]

Wow fantastic job really enjoy how this turned out after all :) Keep going and create art :D Greetings from a fellow KZbin Artist ;-)

[@owingsart]

Hi Steve - Been doing a lot of ink washes in my work lately. Have you tried any of the J. Herbin inks? A sketching friend of mine introduced them to me and they're spectacular. Here's a link: www.jherbin.com/1670.html

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool, I'll check them out. I've been looking at the product "guides" at Jet Pens - www.jetpens.com/blog/guides/ct/9 Since you do so many reviews this might be a good resource for you. Really good info. Was also listening to Ana and Heather the other day and learned a lot about fountain pens and inks. More mysteries to unravel...😃

[@owingsart]

The Mind of Watercolor Thanks Steve. Now I'm headed down that rabbit hole of art joy. :-)

[@charitygoldart]

When you say you were listening to Ana & Heather, is that a podcast?

[@owingsart]

Yes, I think he means their podcast. :-)

[@janemcdonnell8737]

fun. thanks

[@barbararivera2380]

👍

[@inekedusseljee3093]

What is the difference between Sumi ink and indian ink?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Basically the binders are different. Sumi uses animal glue (traditionally) and india uses a type of shellac. Most indias tend to be a little blacker and dry with a semi gloss. Sumi usually dries matte. Sumi tends to be thinner and flows better for calligraphy in my opinion.

[@inekedusseljee3093]

The Mind of Watercolor Thank you. I have trying to find out the difference for a long time. 👍🏼

[@robynalice879]

*Wa-ter Sol-u-ah-blah* 😂

[@Dolph1nie]

Water soluble*....

[@danieljiang219]

who cringed when he said copic the wrog way?