Getting crafty with ink? If you’re starting out with ink and a little unsure about the main differences between each one, then this quick guide will be helpful. We’ll briefly go over the main inks in NZ and the characteristics that set them apart from each other. We’ll also focus on the world-leading brands that produce them including Liquitex, Winsor & Newton and Daler Rowney.
- Indian ink. Probably the most famous type of ink in the world. A true Indian Ink like this fast-drying and water-resistant product from Winsor & Newton is a permanent, opaque black that mixes well with other colours. Indian ink is shellac-based to make it more durable once dried. This type of ink flows well on paper and produces crisp lines which makes it a favourite with illustrators, calligraphists, designers and cartoonists.
- Acrylic ink. Acrylic-based inks are made of pigment particles that create colours that act more like acrylic paints. The acrylic pigments in this ink mean it is less prone to fading with light and can be easily mixed. Acrylic inks, like this set from Liquitex, are suitable for use in pens, rollers, brushes, airbrushes, screen and fabric printing, calligraphy, stencils and so much more. This makes acrylic inks a versatile and popular choice in a wide range of arts and crafts.
- Calligraphy ink. Calligraphy ink, including world-famous Daler Rowney inks, are pigmented for maximum colour brilliance but also need to be non-clogging and flow easily for use with dip and fountain pens.
- Drawing inks. These types of inks are water-resistant, with high pigment intensity for bold and vivid colour. These are versatile and fast-drying inks making them ideal for a very wide range of techniques, such as airbrushing, calligraphy, brush lettering, watercolour, stamping and dip-pen drawing.
- Printing inks. Printing Inks are oil and acrylic based and are specially developed for relief printing, screen printing and etching. Our Daler Rowney acrylic ink colours for block printing are water-soluble and are quicker drying than the oil-based inks. The colours are extremely easy to use, and equipment can simply be cleaned with soap and water.
- Fabric inks. Fabric, or textile inks, are thinner and less opaque than fabric paints, but they are still capable of producing intense colours. When printed onto fabric, these inks form a permanent chemical bond with the fabric fibres so they’re colourfast, dry cleanable, wash-resistant and suitable for most fabrics.
As you can see, there is no such thing as standard ink. We hope this brief guide has given you a decent overview of which ink is best for your arty and crafty projects - for more detailed information, contact us and we’ll happily answer all your questions.