Which Businesses Produce Permanent Inks?

5.0 rating based on 104 ratings

Permanent inks are a popular choice for various applications, including writing on metals, plastics, ceramics, wood, stone, and cardboard. They are semi-permanent on some surfaces and can be erased with little rubbing pressure. Some manufacturers like Uni-ball rollerball inks and Pentel offer permanent ink, which is a clear selling point. Sharpie’s permanent marker pack of 12 counts offers vibrant and pigmented ink shades to add bright color touches to documents and art projects.

Permanent markers are permanent because they use ink that is not water-soluble (xylene and toluene) and pigments or dyes that don’t fade. Some “off the beaten path” permanent ink recommendations include Lennon Toolbar Atmospheric inks (firmament and twilight), Kala has nice pigmented inks (Mongolian), and Montblanc’s permanent inks.

There are many manufacturers of iron gall and pigment inks, such as Montblanc’s bulletproof/eternal inks, De’s permanent inks, and Noodler’s bulletproof/eternal inks. These inks soak into the paper they are used on, making them ideal for important documents and works of art.

For durable writing, Metron Optics Inc. offers ink from several leading stationery brands, including Hero, Platinum, and Sailor, which are pigmented fountain pen inks that are resistant to erasure. Some manufacturers make no waterproof inks, while others like Sharpie and Pentel offer pigmented fountain pen inks that are suitable for fountain pens.

In summary, permanent inks are essential for various applications, including labeling industrial equipment, designing on fabric, and creating timeless art. By choosing the right inks and markers, you can ensure a consistent, durable, and flawless writing experience.

Useful Articles on the Topic
ArticleDescriptionSite
Permanent fountain pen inks for ink & wash sketchingTo tame excessively wet nibs and feeds, I use Rohrer & Klingner Oak Gall inks. A one to one mixture of the Salix (dusky blue) and Scabiosa ( …lizsteel.com
Best Permanent Ink?! : r/fountainpensIn my experience, Noodler’s bulletproof/eternal/etc. inks work well with extra fine nibs on cheap paper. I’ve used Upper Ganges Blue, Bad Blue Heron, and …reddit.com
The Best Permanent InksIf you want to leave a lasting mark, this guide to permanent inks will help you find the best pens and permanent markers for durable writing …jetpens.com

📹 Can You Make Non-Permanent Inks Permanent? – Q&A Slices

Yes, you can mix them with permanent inks it can affect the properties, and that will depend on what you’re mixing so be ready to …


Is Permanent Ink A Good Choice
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is Permanent Ink A Good Choice?

If you're not expecting much exposure to the elements between writing and storing your sheets and notebooks, water-resistant permanent ink could meet your daily needs. Graf von Faber Castell has a good variety of colors for permanent water-resistant ink. I find Sei-Boku to be a very manageable ink on most papers, requiring minimal upkeep compared to standard fountain pen inks. For iron gall inks, both Salix and Scabiosa are recommended for their superior water resistance compared to Platinum's Cassis Black.

While many inks possess some durability against light rain or quick spills, they are not truly permanent. Noodler’s Luxury Blue is a potential option, as are other Bulletproof selections like Bad Blue Heron and Polar Blue, which have unique properties. My personal favorites include Sailor Sei Boku and R and K Scabiosa. I also have Kakimori Tororo on my desk, but haven't used it yet. The majority of fountain pen inks lack permanence largely because they don’t need to be.

However, there are occasions when you require a permanent or waterproof ink for archival purposes. A thorough selection of permanent inks is available, especially beneficial if you wish for your writing to last for decades regardless of the weather. Based on permanence, including washability and fading, we identify the best inks suited for various surfaces. There now exists a range of permanent inks safe for fountain pens, compliant with ISO 12757-2 standards. While permanent inks can be excellent choices for activities like outdoor note-taking, they can be expensive and not all offer permanence across colors. I’m moving toward using only permanent inks, particularly since I enjoy drinking Chinese tea while writing. My preferred ink is Noodler’s Air-Corp, while I find Platinum Carbon Black to be less favorable due to its thickness. Smoother, less bleeding options can be achieved with dye-based inks. Although permanent inks have their merits, such as durability, they may not suit every writing need and some pigments don’t fade quickly. For my daily writing, I favor Diamine Registrar's ink, especially for its permanence and compatibility with inexpensive paper. However, it’s not intended for skin contact! Ultimately, pigment inks tend to be more durable than dye-based alternatives. My experience with them has been positive overall.

What Chemical Makes Ink Permanent
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Chemical Makes Ink Permanent?

Permanent ink refers to ink from markers that, as the name suggests, is permanent. The permanence comes from its composition, specifically the presence of a resin that causes the ink to adhere strongly once applied. Unlike pencil or erasable ink, permanent ink absorbs into the paper, ensuring longevity. The ink is usually a mix of pigments and dyes dissolved in water and glycol; when these components evaporate, the pigments remain embedded in the paper, resulting in lasting marks. Permanent markers utilize inks that are formulated to be non-water-soluble, helped by solvents like xylene and toluene which prevent fading of colorants.

These markers are particularly valuable for preserving important documents and artistic creations due to their durability. Typically, the ink consists of a carrier solvent, glyceride, pyrrolidone, resin, and a colorant, all of which render it water-resistant. Permanent markers are versatile, capable of writing on diverse surfaces such as paper, metal, and stone. They come in various tip sizes (from ultra-fine to wide), shapes (like chisel point and bullet tip), and colors, including metallic and ultraviolet-reactive shades. Most permanent markers feature alcohol-based solvents, while paint markers contain volatile organic compounds that evaporate quickly for effective drying.

Writing inks often include elements like iron sulfate and acids such as gallic and tannic acids alongside dyes. Meanwhile, ballpoint ink is typically a paste with a 40-50% dye concentration. For a marker to be classified as "permanent," it must fulfill criteria such as adhering to most surfaces and being resistant to water based on dye or pigment composition. While dry-erase markers are generally considered permanent, they can leave marks on absorbent surfaces like paper.

The main ingredients typically consist of alcohol, usually isopropyl alcohol – commonly known as rubbing alcohol – along with additional solvents like 2-butoxy ethanol. The formulation of permanent markers promotes increased durability compared to other ink types, with additional ingredients enhancing their resistance to fading exposed to light and moisture. Furthermore, iron gall inks rely on a reaction with oxygen to create solid iron oxides within their compositions. In summary, permanent markers are designed for long-term use due to their robust ink blend comprising a colorant, solvent, and resin, granting them unique properties suited for various applications.

Is There A Permanent Ink
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Is There A Permanent Ink?

Artists who utilize ink often seek longevity in their creations. Permanent ink is particularly suited for significant documents and artistic works due to its durability. Unlike pencil or erasable ink, permanent ink penetrates the paper, ensuring that it remains intact over time. One variety, iron gall ink, comprises an acidic solution of iron salts, which interacts with oxygen to create lasting impressions. While many inks are reasonably resistant to light moisture or spills, they may not be permanent.

Permanent fountain pen inks fall into two categories: those with cellulose binding and those formulated for permanence, as traditional fountain pen inks typically lack durability unless specifically designed for that purpose. For instances where a writer requires waterproof or permanent ink, several options are available. The Montblanc Ink Bottle Permanent Blue 107756 is one notable choice, recognized for its document-proof qualities.

Moreover, the Sharpie PRO Permanent Marker stands out for its robust performance and variety in tip sizes, making it a favored option among users. Similarly, Sharpie Fine and Extreme Black markers provide reliable, bold marking capabilities. A general understanding is that while some inks, such as those used by registrars, are permanent, it’s essential to verify an ink’s permanence by checking product details.

In conclusion, the distinction between permanent and standard inks is crucial for artists and writers alike. If you’re on the lookout for a wide array of permanent ink pads or pens, brands like Ranger Ink and Sharpie offer compelling selections at competitive prices.

What Is Permanent Ink Called
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Is Permanent Ink Called?

A permanent marker, also known as an indelible marker, is a type of pen designed to create writing that remains intact over time on various surfaces, including paper, metal, stone, and plastic. The ink used in permanent markers typically contains a carrier solvent, glyceride, pyrrolidone, resin, and a colorant, rendering the writing water-resistant. Distinguished by their long-lasting quality, these markers come in multiple tip sizes and shapes, including ultra-fine, bullet tips, and chisel points, making them versatile for different applications.

Permanent ink differs from pencil or erasable inks as it penetrates the surface it is applied to. This ink is characterized by its resistance to water and fading due to the presence of ingredients like xylene, toluene, and urethane, which contribute to its durability. Permanent markers are structured with an airtight plastic tube containing a porous material that absorbs ink. When the pen is used, ink is drawn to the tip, facilitating smooth writing.

Differences in ink composition define permanent markers; they utilize dyes or pigments that adhere strongly to surfaces, which might include hard, non-porous materials such as glass and concrete. In both art and administrative scenarios, they have significant applications due to their reliability for marking important documents or creating durable work. While permanent markers are ideal for long-lasting impressions, other markers, like "dry erase" types, employ a different ink chemistry, allowing for temporary writing.

Two ink ranges, discussed in professional contexts, include Winsor and Newton's Drawing Ink, known for vibrant colors yet low lightfastness, and Calligraphy Ink, recognized for its archival quality. In regions such as Malaysia and Singapore, these instruments are simply termed "markers," while in the Philippines, distinctions are acknowledged based on the ink type.

Overall, permanent markers represent a practical solution for tasks requiring permanence, with brands like Sharpie offering expanded selections for artistic purposes. They are favored for their dependable performance, enabling smooth writing and highlighting creative concepts effectively.

Where Does The Best Tattoo Ink Come From
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Where Does The Best Tattoo Ink Come From?

Kuro Sumi is a widely popular tattoo ink, originally developed in Japan and currently manufactured in the USA. It is especially favored by artists who specialize in black and grey tattoo work due to its high-quality ingredients and organic formulations. The ink consists primarily of pigments combined with a carrier, which is essential for creating tattoos on the skin, as well as for permanent makeup applications.

Tattoo inks are made from a variety of pigments, both inorganic, like carbon black, and synthetic organic pigments. For example, black ink often includes materials such as bone char and iron oxide, while brown ink may contain mixtures of clay and iron oxide. Other hues can be derived from the earth using ingredients like copper.

The production of tattoo inks involves the extraction and processing of these raw pigments, which transform them into the suitable ink for artists. Historical practices of tattooing utilized simple materials; early inks were crafted from soot mixed with water, reflecting geographical and cultural influences.

Research, such as a study by the University of Arizona, shows that different tattoo ink brands use varied ingredients, but manufacturers are not mandated to disclose specific contents or conduct trials. As a result, there is a wide range of products available on the market.

For those searching for high-quality tattoo inks, brands like Dynamic Ink, particularly their Lining Black and Triple Black, are often recommended alongside Kuro Sumi. Enthusiasts appreciate the vibrant results offered by various brands, further enriched by the influence of traditional Japanese tattooing history. Many artists choose Kuro Sumi for its consistency in color and performance.

Various pigments can produce specific shades; the incorporation of titanium dioxide, for example, occurs frequently in tattoo formulations. Water-based inks, which have a lower viscosity compared to oil-based options, facilitate a more rapid flow rate, reflecting the array of choices available for tattoo artists today.

In conclusion, Kuro Sumi stands out as a premier tattoo ink choice, backed by its quality and historical significance, making it a trusted option for artists dedicated to the craft.

Where Does Permanent Ink Come From
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Where Does Permanent Ink Come From?

Permanent markers, such as Sharpie, utilize ink formulated with xylene, toluene, and urethane resin. Historically, inks date back to Ancient Egypt, where they were crafted for writing on papyrus since at least the 26th century BC, utilizing iron and ocher pigments alongside various ions. Ink, like paint, varies in composition based on its intended use, available in numerous colors and offering both permanent and temporary options.

The origins of ink trace back to natural materials extracted from plants and minerals, while contemporary formulas often incorporate petroleum-based chemicals and synthetic dyes, marking a significant evolution since the early inks made from soot and resin.

Permanent markers serve as writing instruments on diverse surfaces, including metals, plastics, ceramics, wood, and cardboard, though the marks produced may be semi-permanent on certain substrates. Writing inks, historically appearing around 2500 BC, generally consist of pigments or dyes suspended in a liquid vehicle. Distinct from pencils or erasable inks, permanent markers deliver ink that penetrates the surface of the material it is applied to. The ink's binding capabilities derive from polymers like acrylate, which enhance adhesion via van der Waals forces, ensuring the ink remains entrenched in the surfaces it touches.

The first felt-tip pen was patented by Lee Newman in 1910, marking a key development in the history of ink application. Permanent markers are characterized by their use of resin in their ink formulation, which allows it to adhere more effectively than standard inks, making it challenging to remove. Unlike tattoo ink which is embedded in skin, permanent marker ink remains on the surface.

How Do You Make Permanent Ink
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do You Make Permanent Ink?

To create your own black permanent ink, you'll need just four simple ingredients: lamp black, egg yolk, gum arabic, and honey. Begin by mixing together the egg yolk, gum arabic, and honey to form a thick paste. Then, incorporate 1/2 tsp. of lamp black into this mixture. Once blended, you can store the paste in a sealed container. When you're ready to use the ink, simply mix the paste with a small amount of water until you reach your desired consistency.

Permanent ink is designed to adhere strongly to various surfaces, making it ideal for important documents and artwork, as it seeps into the paper unlike pencil or erasable ink. While commercial inks are available, making your own natural ink is simple and cost-effective. You can also experiment with other colors by using pigments from sources like tea, blackberries, or Prussian blue pigment.

For a broader exploration, natural ink can be made from plant materials, such as berries or nuts, mixed with water or oil and a binding agent. This fundamental formula allows for creativity in color making based on the extraction of pigments found in natural resources.

Moreover, if you're curious about markers, many utilize permanent ink that can be applied on nearly any surface without easy removal. While commercial systems are varied, homemade markers can also be made with a combination of a solvent, dye, and resin. This process may involve adjusting elements like isopropyl alcohol to modify the ink's thickness.

In summary, making your black permanent ink at home involves combining basic ingredients to achieve a lasting solution that’s both functional and artistic, reflecting the rich tradition and accessibility of DIY ink creation.

Does Permanent Ink Come Off
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does Permanent Ink Come Off?

Permanent marker stains can be challenging to remove, but with time and the right techniques, you can effectively tackle them from various surfaces such as wood, fabric, plastics, and furniture using common household items. While permanent markers, like Sharpies, are designed to last, they can leave undesirable marks on skin and other materials. Fortunately, the removal process is often successful, depending on the surface type and the ink color.

To start, the simplest approach is to use soap and water. Permanent ink doesn't penetrate the skin like tattoo ink; instead, it rests on the surface, which means that with patience, it can fade naturally over a few days. However, to speed up the removal process on skin, you can use various home remedies that work effectively.

For marks on furniture, clothing, or walls, acting quickly can greatly enhance your chances of removal. If you're trying to preserve an autograph on fabric, allow the ink to dry first and set it permanently using heat from an iron or hair dryer—avoid using water or steam at this stage, as it can diminish the ink's permanence.

In instances where children have drawn on themselves or others, remember that most of the ink resides only on the outer layer of skin. Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solution for removing marker stains: simply apply it with a cotton cloth or ball to lift the ink more easily. Most permanent markers will come off most hard surfaces with gentle rubbing and persistence, especially when using isopropyl alcohol.

If accidents happen on tiles or hard surfaces, consider using common items like toothpaste, aerosol hairspray, or a magic eraser to effectively eliminate the marks. For fabric, follow a step-by-step guide focused on ink removal to ensure success.

In summary, while permanent markers have the potential to create lasting stains, a variety of readily available methods can help you effectively remove them from both skin and surfaces, with the best results coming from prompt action and the right cleaning agents.

What Is Permanent Marker Ink
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Is Permanent Marker Ink?

Permanent marker ink is a specialized type of pen designed for writing on a variety of surfaces, including cardboard, paper, plastic, and more. Typically, this ink is either oil-based or alcohol-based and is notably water-resistant. Key components of permanent marker ink include pigments, dyes, and carrier solvents, with some markers also containing polymers. They are effective on numerous materials such as metals, ceramics, woods, stones, and cardboard, although the marks may be semi-permanent on specific surfaces. For instance, marks made on certain plastics, like polypropylene and Teflon, can be easily removed with minimal rubbing.

The permanence of these markers is attributed to their ink, which is not water-soluble, thanks to the inclusion of xylene and toluene, coupled with colorants that resist fading. Essential ingredients in permanent marker ink are a colorant, a carrier, and a resin, with colorants typically being pigments for their lasting properties. This composition enhances the ink’s adhesion to surfaces, making it difficult to remove with water, unlike non-permanent markers, which lack such formulations.

Permanent ink is favored for its durability, making it suitable for important documents and artistic works. Unlike pencil or erasable ink, it penetrates the surfaces it is applied to, ensuring longevity. Typical uses for permanent markers involve the production of indelible or semi-indelible marks. When it comes to maintenance, marker stains should be treated similarly to other dye stains, adhering to certain cleaning methods.

Prominent brands, such as Sharpie, utilize materials like xylene, toluene, and urethane resin in their permanent markers. The inks are designed to be lightfast, resistant to fading from sunlight, and durable over time under various storage conditions. The chemical makeup of these inks ensures they are waterproof and effective on various surfaces. For instance, products from brands like Camlin offer vibrant colors and reliable performance, suitable for a multitude of applications, from marking cartons to writing on glass and plastic. Additionally, they conform to safety standards, being non-toxic and resistant to various environmental factors.

What Is The Ingredient In Permanent Ink
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Is The Ingredient In Permanent Ink?

Permanent markers, such as Sharpies, are designed to write on a variety of surfaces and produce lasting impressions due to their unique chemical composition. The primary substances responsible for their permanence are xylene, toluene, and urethane resin, which interact with inks that are not water-soluble. These components provide markers with the ability to adhere firmly to surfaces and resist water, making them suitable for a broad range of applications—including cardboard, paper, and plastic.

The construction of permanent marker ink can be broken down into three main ingredients: colorant, carrier (solvent), and resin (polymer). The colorant, such as pigments, provides the ink with its vivid colors, while the carrier serves to dissolve and disperse the other ingredients. The resin is crucial for ensuring that the ink remains intact and does not easily fade or wash away. The combination of these elements results in a marker that is effective for creating indelible writings or markings.

Unlike traditional inks that might wash away or smudge, permanent markers utilize a solvent-based formulation that allows their ink to absorb into the surface upon application. The drying process involves the evaporation of the carrier, leaving behind the colorant and resin that create a strong bond with the substrate. This characteristic makes permanent markers ideal for tasks requiring durability, such as labeling items or creating artwork that remains vibrant over time.

Overall, permanent markers are recognized for their longevity and versatility, attributed to their chemical makeup that includes water-insoluble compounds. As such, they remain a popular choice for artists, crafters, and various professionals seeking reliable writing instruments for both practical and creative endeavors.


📹 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.


9 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Actually there is. We use alum powder on sumi-e . It is not permanenting per se, but in a sence yes. It will fixate it from washes of watercolor paint and thus it does the trick. ( it is also a preservation method but thats not really want it is for). You can check our some sumi e paintings and you will see it on some, some dont use it but that also applies to wich expressions they paint / art genre

  • Thank you! I’m in the 50-100$ range and he told me today he wants something he could have a fair amount of ink in his pen and I told him about eye dropper conversions for the Ahabs but he wasn’t to into that. He wouldn’t mind an eye dropper pen but he just wants a pen with a lot of in capacity to begin with.

  • I’m starting a new Collection of inks. Can’t wait!!! My best friend is just starting in the fountain pen world thanks to me. What is a good “higher” quality pen for someone with smallish hands. I would like your feedback for I have only dealt with jinhao and noodlers pens. I’m going to get a Edison premiere for myself soon. I just don’t know what to get him.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 🖋😃

  • 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.)

  • Thank you so much for the test article. 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.

  • 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?

Tattoo Test: Find Your Perfect Ink

What level of pain are you ready to endure?
The tattoo process can be painful. Let’s see your tolerance.

Latest Publications

Tip of the day!

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Privacy Policy