In this blog I compare four different opaque white inks . White ink is used on darker paper, so it is important that white ink is actually opaque. It is a shame to still see the color of the paper through the white ink. I have written an example text for all the inks, hopefully you can see through my calligraphy script ;). I assess the inks on various properties: opacity, substance and whether or not they are waterproof.
And I would like to add: all the inks are of super fine quality, otherwise they would not have made it to the shop. They are all the best in slightly different areas. In the blog I explain to you what the superpower per ink is. Then you can choose the white ink that suits your project perfectly.
The inks I'm testing:
- Dr Ph Martins Bombay White
- Dr Ph Martins Bleed Proof White
- Dr Ph Martins Pen White
- Ziller North Wind White
Dr. Ph Martins Bleed Proof White
I think this is the King of the white 'inks'. Actually, I can't call the Bleedproof White ink, because it is officially a watercolor. The paint was once designed as a correction fluid. It is the most popular and used white calligraphy ink. That is not without reason, the ink is opaque white and suitable for thin hairlines. The Bleedproof White dries matte. And did you draw lines with pencil? Then you can easily erase them without smearing the ink.
Besides the fact that you can use the ink for calligraphy, you can also use it as paint. So the bleed proof white is also ideal for brush lettering. I also often see Bleedproof White used in galaxy paintings.
The ink lives up to its name Bleed Proof White. It is really bleed proof, you can use the ink/paint on all kinds of surfaces without the ink bleeding. Do you want to write on types of paper that would otherwise suck out the ink enormously, such as kraft paper? Then you should definitely use this ink, then you won't have any problems!
What you can see as a disadvantage: before use, it is important that you dilute the paint with some water, because the ink is too thick straight from the jar. Some people put this straight into the potty. I prefer not to do this, because for calligraphy, brush lettering and painting you need a different consistency. With a dinky dip you can mix a small amount and keep the consistency in the jar standard.
You only need to use very little water when diluting, 1-5 drops is enough. You will notice quickly enough whether the consistency is good. If the paint does not come off the nib, use a little more water and if the ink becomes transparent you have used too much water. Then leave the jar open for a few hours so that the water can evaporate.
The only disadvantage of the Bleedproof White is that the ink is not waterproof at all.
You can find the Bleedproof White in the shop for €14.50
Dr Ph Martins Bombay White
The Bombay White is the least opaque of all three white inks. The coverage of the ink varies considerably. On some parts the ink is completely opaque and on some parts it is not opaque at all. The ink is an instant go and is waterproof. For the price it is an excellent ink.
You can find Bombay White in the shop for €4.95
Dr Ph Martins Pen White
Dr. Ph. Martins Pen White is the best opaque and whitest ink. The structure of the ink is slightly finer than the Bleedproof White, the ink has the same chalky feel of the Bleedproof and also dries matte. I usually use it straight from the jar, without diluting it with water. Do you find the ink too thick? You can dilute it slightly with water. The ink is not waterproof.
You will find the Dr. Ph. Martins Pen White in the shop for €11.95
Ziller North Wind White
The North Wind White is easy to use. Just stir well and you can start writing. The ink immediately has a fine substance. You don't have to put it in a different pot, because Ziller has thought carefully about the pot. The Ziller ink bottle has a wide opening into which you can immediately dip your pen.
This is the best quality of the Ziller North Wind White: after the ink is dry, the ink is completely waterproof. Super handy for envelopes in our rainy country. The ink dries matte and varies slightly in opacity. On most strokes the ink is completely opaque, but there are also pieces where the ink is slightly less opaque.
You can find the Ziller North Wind White in the shop for €7.95
By the way, have you seen the product spoiler in the blog? This Friday some new things will be online, including the awesome Dinky Dips! I am really very happy with it! You can read more about it later this week.
Please ask your questions in the comments!
Love,
Judith
