WaterPROOF and Permanent Inks for Fountain Pen Sketching

In this video we will look at three waterproof inks - Lotte sketchINK, carbon ink by platinum and heart of darkness by Noodler.
All of these inks are safe to use in your fountain pens, and I've used them all in my LAMY pens, TWSBI pens and more without any issues.
These fountain pen inks are also all black waterfast ink - ideal for ink and watercolour sketchers.
Which waterproof ink is the best for sketching? Are they all really permanent and water fast? And which ink should you buy for you precious sketching fountain pens?
All this and more in this little waterproof ink for fountain pens review.
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Audio Credits:
Apero Hour Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 4.0 License
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00:00 Introduction
00:59 How do they write?
06:50 1 minute dry test
09:27 5 minute dry test

[@lynnedalrymple]

Toby thankyou so much I am starting to really understand ink so much more

[@journalforjoy1726]

Thank you for doing this video. I was just deciding which ink to buy for sketching by reading the reviews of the products, which weren’t as helpful as this video. To see the colours and drying time was most helpful, as well as your experience with each ink in your fountain pens.

[@Brontesister1]

Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you - I have started using fountain pens for sketching & have little knowledge about inks!

[@lovingtruth8157]

I rock the R&K Lotte and Lilly in my Ahab and LAMY, stuff is wonderful! carbon ink and noodlers HOD is best as well great picks man! I love all of these inks.

[@UJB123]

I use Platinum but I may try Sketch Ink as I don’t mind a bit of dark grey from time to time. Noodlers is notorious for long dry times, although, I really dig that whole DS lunar black watercolor granulation thing it produces. Very nice. Thanks for the demo.

[@Kris-rf4zq]

Very helpful, toby!

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

Wonderful. Thanks

[@strzelecszuwarek92]

I have both Carbon Black and Lotte and they are similar in color. Sketch inks have a lot of pigment sitting on the bottom of the bottle, similar to shimmer but much harder to mix. Once it's well mixed, it is rather black

[@nid274]

great test, helped me a lot to choose. Especially gave me the courage to use carbon ink in fountain pen

[@TobySketchLoose]

Great to hear!

[@solidblack8899]

i like most the rohrer & klingner sketching ink lotte and lily (black and dark brown) even if the black is really a dark grey. for quick sketches they are perfect. and toby, by the way, your pronunciation is of r&k is nearly perfect 👍

[@gentlerdaysofgardensofpaper]

I recently bought a range of R&K Sketch Inks. I'm a big fan but have never put them in a fountain pen. I also bought some Noodler's invisible ink (to write down passwords) and maybe it might be interesting to make a sketch then add watercolour using the UV light 🤔 Useful review Toby, thank you, P 🖋😃

[@user-cq7qd8se3o]

Extremely helpful cuz of the thorough explanations and the clear demos. Learned today what I wish I had known a bit ago. Don’t, however, expect me to answer in depth if ever on The Chase. TY, Toby. Frances

[@TobySketchLoose]

Haha thanks Frances

[@RyanNiemer]

When I was trying to decide on my first "waterproof" ink, I ended up going with SketchINK, and I love it! I don't leave it inked up in a pen, and have honestly started using it with dip pens.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Dip pens are great fun, a different technical challenge too

[@cptcosmo]

I do mixed Media... I can see using the Sketch Ink as the 1st layer of pen work, then do water color, ink washes, colored pencils, then use Noodler's Heart of Darkness as the final inking once all the wet work is complete (as well as other gelpens like white for specularities, etc.).

[@Johan-vk5yd]

Very nice informative video! As a rule, I dilute a Noodler’s ink 10-100%! This mitigates the movement of excess ink. I use black, black eel, and X-feather. Recently I tried T&K Lotte, snd I apprrciate that I can use it straight out of the bottle.

[@timothy4557]

Never, ever dilute!!!

[@marioess2764]

I use a twsbi Eco ef with octopus black elephant ink. Its a Bit darker and takes less time to dry, compared to the Platinum Carbon ink.

[@dameanvil]

00:13 🖋 Carbon ink by Platinum is a particle ink, becoming waterproof as it dries. However, it may pose a risk of blocking fountain pens if not used regularly or with proper care. 03:09 🌫 Lotte sketchINK is another particle ink, slightly gray, but surprisingly waterproof almost immediately after application. 04:47 ⚛ Noodler's Heart of Darkness is a chemical ink, designed to react with paper cellulose for permanence. However, it tends to move and smudge more than the other inks. 06:07 🌈 Diamine's Little Chris is a water-soluble ink, producing beautiful blue tones when washed, but it's not waterproof. 08:28 🕰 After one minute, Lotte sketchINK shows excellent waterproofing, while Noodler's Heart of Darkness takes longer to dry and tends to move. 09:53 🌊 After five minutes, Carbon ink and Lotte sketchINK are dry and mostly waterproof. Noodler's Heart of Darkness still exhibits excess ink movement, and Diamine's Little Chris remains water-soluble. 11:14 🖋 The preferred ink choice is Carbon ink for its quick drying, darkness, and minimal fountain pen issues, followed by Lotte sketchINK and Noodler's Heart of Darkness for their unique effects.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Hehe yup 👍

[@mariuszota]

Nicely done. Would have loved to see De Atramentis Document Ink in this comparison, as well.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Next time!

[@MrJungleman1]

Interesting to see how you have put “Sketch Ink” in your Namiki Emperor. Now that’s not for the faint of heart. ☺️

[@TobySketchLoose]

I know, right? (It's out now, flushed out, a lot)

[@tracypowell2459]

I use carbon ink for the same reasons BUT also another huge reason - it’s available in cartridges and very few if any other waterproof inks are! I don’t like travelling with ink not in a cartridge- however carbon ink cartridges only fit Platinum branded ink pens which can be expensive but they do a cheap pen called a Preppy which is good enough for me.

[@gailreineke7186]

Glad I read your comment. I was thinking of buying a Preppy pen, but bought a Sky Kano green. It’s all right. Thank goodness it came with an ink converter,too.

[@AaronfromQueens]

The Platinum Carbon Desk Pen is also quite inexpensive. I buy the EF (extra fine) and use it frequently.

[@Johan-vk5yd]

The Preppy is an excellent pen. However, I haven’t dared put carbon ink in any of mine. The feed has quite a lot of fins, and it’s not easily disassembled for cleaning. On the other hand, the slip and seal of its cap makes it less likely to dry up completely between sessions.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Noodler’s Bulletproof Black is that line’s most waterproof and archival ink. Platinum Carbon Black is probably the best. It behaves very well and dries fairly fast, though I would be cautious about leaving the pen lying too long, as you say.

[@TobySketchLoose]

🙏🙏

[@glennlaurents9439]

Higgins Black Magic, very black, good flow exceptionally water proof it lives in my Moon Pen fine nib for sketching.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Not heard of it, thanks for the tip

[@wybuchowyukomendant]

de atramentis archival line is amazing and very waterproof.

[@TobySketchLoose]

I've heard as much, I've not yet used it!

[@ElisabethHeinemann]

Thanks so much for your great content. I enjoy your Skillshare Classes very much - you are an excellent teacher. One short question... which fountain pen would you recommend: TWSBI eco or Lamy Safari? Thanks in advance and all the best.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Sorry for missing this question... I haven't tried the eco, but I hear it's similar to the 580. I would probably go for the eco because of its massive ink reservoir and the more controlled nib (assuming it's like theb580). But I wouldn't be disappointed with either

[@ashlinharrington6744]

Hi Toby. Thanks for very useful video. Is it possible to use different colour and/or solubility inks in the same pen by loading, unloading and reloading cartridges or converters? I have a Lammy Safari and converter. Thanks.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Yes, absolutely, though the ink takes a little time to wash through after

[@R_H21]

Oh wow. I have several SketchInks, including Lotte and Thea. I always thought Lotte was a dark black (compared to Thea)….. but never knew how gray it is compared to Platinum Carbon!

[@TobySketchLoose]

As per another comment, I wonder if there was some residual water in my pen... It is suspiciously grey

[@R_H21]

@@TobySketchLoose Oh ok, thx for letting me know. I’ve been wanting to try Platinum Carbon ink but I’ll hold off for now since SketckInk is decent and both seem to be similar (pigment ink).

[@dsarrazin]

Very well made video. Very useful. Do you know if these inks fade over time?

[@TobySketchLoose]

The pigment inks should be light fast, I've certainly not had any problems.

[@bjornlarsson1478]

Hi Toby! Thanks for all your inspiring videos. When you have waterproof ink in your fountain pen, do you empty the pen and clean it after every drawing session or do you clean it when it runs out of ink? How do you clean it when using waterproof ink? Thanks! Best, Björn

[@TobySketchLoose]

I just use it until it runs out, then refill it

[@richardjarvis9893]

Have you tried ink pad refill ink it's the type that drys on contact with the paper colours can be mixed and diluted. Fun to experiment with.

[@TobySketchLoose]

I haven't! Will add it to my list of things to try 😉

[@user-sd2jb1gg4w]

Thank you so much for the test video. It really helps to see a variety of inks in action without having to buy them for ourselves. How would you recommend cleaning a fountain pen if it is blocked and/ or you just want to change inks? I have a very old fountain pen I found and I have tried using it but it flows poorly. Thanks again.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Glad it was helpful! I am no fountain pen care expert, but what I would do is flush with water, if that doesn't work leave it to soak for a while

[@user-sd2jb1gg4w]

I looked up pen cleaning advice on line and it recommended hot water to rinse or sock the nib in. I warmed water in a small cup in the microwave and that worked really fast, I didn’t have to take the pen apart ( which I was dreading). Thank you for responding. I know you have said repeatedly that your pens don’t plug but I have had some minor plugging myself.

[@wolkensaft]

Lotte might not be quite as black as Carbon, but it usually isn't that grey. I get similarly grey results right after I have washed my pen with water. After writing for a bit, it becomes black again.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Ah maybe there was residual water, I had washed it out, but over a week before... Thanks for the tip

[@AaronfromQueens]

@@TobySketchLoose I don't know it this is definitely true, but when I have diluted ink in my cartridge while using Platinum Carbon ink, it seems to dry faster. I wonder if the Lotte seems to become waterproof almost immediately *because* it was diluted.

[@AMaupin2]

Have you used De Atramentis Archive Black ink? Just curious if you have and if your pens held up after using it.

[@TobySketchLoose]

I've not tried it yet

[@dsrcvideos]

Great comparison!, one question, do the particles actually damage the pen or just muck it up until it is cleaned?

[@TobySketchLoose]

They can permanently clog, not always, but it's possible

[@user-qf9ih3qz8m]

Great info. How about papers and effects of weather? I use Platinum Carbon and still get bleed after many days of drying. I’m a beginner so am using relatively inexpensive multi media paper. Would that be causing it to react that way?

[@TobySketchLoose]

I suspect that the paper is the cause. Or possibly a very bold line. I don't get this at all on my watercolour papers

[@user-qf9ih3qz8m]

@@TobySketchLoose thanks for your advice! I’ll try on some different paper. 🙂

[@andyc5326]

I use Noodler's Black ink, sometimes known a "Bulletproof Black", in a Lamy Safari Fine Nib fountain pen. I have never had the problems you demonstrated after a 5 minute dry. The problem seems to be with "Heart of Darkness", or your pen may have been flooding the paper with a bit too much ink.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thanks for this tip, maybe I should try that instead... So many inks 😂

[@hxsm8090]

i have problem with noodlers bulletproof ink, even after 15 minute. they blame my pen for being too wet.

[@ImeldaFagin]

@@TobySketchLooseI recently filled a pen with my Bulletproof noodler’s ink. I’ve had the bottle for about 3 years. The ink came out quite grey. I had to empty the ink and shake the bottle. So I’m guessing it has particles in it. Also it did clog up one of those Fude pens I have, the one with the bent nib.

[@LolaBeM3]

I use Noodler’s Black Ink in a Lamy Al-Star with a Fine nib, as well as in a Lamy Safari with a Medium nib… and I’ve tested it on sketch paper, copy paper, cellulose watercolor paper, cotton paper, mixed media paper and it NEVER DRIES. It’s really annoying.

[@EPeltzer]

I've often been tempted to try heart of darkness because I like a super deep black ink for drawing, and I've wondered how waterproof it might be. So this is a really useful informative video. But yes Noodler's bulletproof black is far better in this regard and that's what I've been using for probably 5 years. In fact I just refer to it as NBB.

[@arlenealennox3136]

Which SketchINK do you have there? Lotte is black and Thea is grey. I really like Lilly which is the brownish black. My black is the DeAtramentis Document and cartridges of Platinum Carbon Black.

[@ElisabethHeinemann]

You can see it in the beginning: Lotte.

[@TobySketchLoose]

It's Lotte... But I wonder from others comments if there is some water contamination

[@greekveteran2715]

Does anybody know, where I can find a color swatch, of Kohinoor drawing ink please? I need to see how their Sepia drawing ink looks on paper.

[@TobySketchLoose]

AHH I don't know sorry

[@adolfolopez1715]

can you use any of these with a brush? if so, even if they are waterproof, should you dilute them with water? or should you brush them on straight dipping into the ink?

[@TobySketchLoose]

Yes, they'd all work with a brush and can dilute with water. They will stain your brush though

[@user-hy8qd9uq4u]

Thank you for this useful review! May I ask, do you usually rinse or clean your fountain pen after each use? I asked for water proof ink at my local art supply shop, but they said it would damage my Lamy pen.

[@TobySketchLoose]

I don't - but it depends on what ink you use. Most art supply shops feature dipping inks, which aren't safe for your fountain pen. These inks I don't wash out of my pens often at all - but the manufacturers advise doing so 'occasionally'

[@ElisabethHeinemann]

I am using my Lamy Safari (fine nib) with the Carbon Ink. No problems so far, and I am by no means regularly drawing.

[@randomaccount2890]

Speaking of fountain pen care, how do you clean your Lamy and Twsbi pens? Do you take them apart completely? Or just flush with water?

[@TobySketchLoose]

I don't do much care, really I just occasionally clean with water

[@izzyg8316]

Have you, by any chance, tried the Octopus Write and Draw Ink 347 Black Elephant? I was wondering how it compares to Lotte.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Not tried it yet

[@hobbyhopper3143]

So here’s the question. I’m just getting started doing this; what pen/ink combination do you suggest? Given your recommendation I’m inclined to go with Twsbi Eco pen and Platinum Carbon Black. I won’t be doing this every day so I’m concerned with the pigment particles clogging the pen. Any advice?

[@TobySketchLoose]

Sounds sensible to me - my TWSBI doesn't clog because it has a good fitting lid. Not sure if the ECO has a screw lid? If so should be ok :)

[@trevorcoultart]

@@TobySketchLoose Yes, the eco has a screw lid. Planning to get one soon!

[@comfortableshoesstudio]

My bottle of Lotte SketchInk is much darker than yours, it's almost as dark as the Carbon ink. I wonder if there are a lot of batch variations?

[@TobySketchLoose]

I made a mistake here - I put out a correction video a couple of days later. I think I hadn't fully dried out my pen, and it's slightly diluted. I should make it clearer with a comment under the video! Added that to my to-do list.

[@ewok-breath]

Has anyone used Mont Blanc permanent ink? It says it comes with a mixed in 'cleaner' to keep the pen safe. It's AUD $50, and was wondering if it was any good for sketching before I buy.

[@TobySketchLoose]

I haven't!

[@sabines.9988]

hi Toby, is the red fontain pen, a yukari urushi of namiki and you filled it with rohrer & klingner ink? aren't you afraid ......???

[@TobySketchLoose]

deathly. BUT I use it every day - and if I don't use it, I'll empty it. Plus, a pen with a perfect seal like that *in theory* can't dry out. Crossing my fingers. I don't maintain any of my pens... except that one

[@sabines.9988]

@@TobySketchLoose no risk, no fun🤞

[@EveAshford]

Out of curiosity I just looked up that pen... 🤯 I'd be terrified! 🤣

[@pamelagrey8436]

I bought the R&K sketch ink. It doesn't appear to be permanent after 5 minutes. It blurs a little. Also it seems to be blue rather than black. I'm disappointed...but at least it doesn't run as much as those last two inks you showed. Still looking forward to working with it but I won't be able to get crisp lines. I might have to buy the carbon ink after all. (I know that you don't manufacture this stuff so who knows, it may vary from one batch to the other.)

[@TobySketchLoose]

I use Lotte a lot at the moment - I haven't found it to be even slightly soluble, very crisp and dark. It might be contaminated in your pen?

[@QuiltingCrow]

I have the same problem with all inks (Lotte, Noodler's and Carbon) in all my fountain pens: after just a few hours, it gets so sticky that the ink doesn't flow. What do I do wrong? 😢 Moreover, I often don't even get the ink to flow, neither in my Lamys, in my Fude de Mannen or whatever other fountain pen I use.... Does anyone have an idea for me?

[@TobySketchLoose]

Very odd, I can't explain that!

[@jwcrummett]

Drawing with Platinum Carbon Black is like sketching with midnight.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Well said

[@johnharrison5703]

Many bottles of ink say not suitable for fountain pens. Most sellers say that the Carbon Ink is not suitable for fountain pens!! So confusing!

[@blackdog7979]

The disclaimer on cult pens gives a warning, ok to use in fountain pens just don’t leave them charged for an extended time. Which means you can empty and clean after use and it would be ok. I use it in Twsbi 580 which is meant to be taken apart and cleaned easily👍

[@stonerart8225]

I have had the carbon ink in my fountain pens (lamy,twsb..)for a year without use. Nothing has dried up. Writes like on the first day.

[@PatricioDiazGutierrez]

I have carbon ink and It does not work on my lamy pen, It dries to fast!

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

Even waterproof inks need to dry before they are waterproof!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Yus, but a waterproof ink for a sketcher is no good if it takes 24 hours to dry . Sketching is a quick on the spot process, not one which you spend hours over. Also, as I say in the video - that absolute black is not dry or waterproof even after 24 hours in my experience. Hope that clarifies