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Understanding the lightfastness, permanence and archival quality of inks

At Winsor & Newton, we produce two distinct ranges of ink: Drawing Inks and Calligraphy Inks. The key difference between them lies in permanence.

Neither range is waterproof, and we do not recommend using them with fountain pens, as they can clog the nibs.

  • Drawing Inks are made with dyes, making them brilliant and transparent, but not lightfast.
  • Calligraphy Inks are pigment-based, providing lightfastness and permanence, but they are not waterproof.

Both ranges are best used with dip pens and brushes.

 

Drawing Inks

Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks have been loved by artists, illustrators, and designers since their introduction in the 1890s. Renowned for their brilliance of colour, they are formulated with soluble dyes in a high-quality shellac solution.

Key features

  • Vibrant and transparent colours that can be intermixed or overlaid for unique effects.
  • Fast-drying and water-resistant.
  • Suitable for use with brush, dip pen, or airbrush.

Permanence and lightfastness

Most Drawing Inks are not lightfast and may fade over time, although there are important exceptions:

  • Liquid Indian Ink: Archival and permanent, though not waterproof. Traditionally produced from Chinese ink sticks.
  • Black Indian Ink: Is based on shellac, making it water-resistant—ideal for applying paint washes once dry.
  • White, Silver, Gold, and Indian Black: Pigmented, providing added lightfastness.

Tip: Choose Drawing Inks marked T on the colour chart for maximum transparency and brilliance.

 

Calligraphy Inks

Calligraphy is a timeless art form, and our Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Inks are specially crafted to do it justice. These inks are made with high-quality pigments in an acrylic base, ensuring lightfastness and long-lasting results.

Key features

  • Carefully formulated colours rated AA or A for permanence.
  • Pigments chosen for maximum colour brilliance and clean mixing.
  • Satin-finish inks in blue-capped bottles (transparent, suitable for dip pen, brush, or airbrush).
  • Opaque inks in red-capped bottles (ideal for dip pen and brush).
  • Rich, vibrant colours that maintain clarity even when blended.

Permanence and lightfastness

  • All Calligraphy Inks are lightfast and permanent (AA or A rating).
  • Not waterproof: even when dry, they can be reactivated with water.

Final thoughts

  • Use Drawing Inks when you want brilliance, transparency, and expressive colour effects.
  • Choose Calligraphy Inks for long-lasting, lightfast colour in lettering and fine artwork.

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