What's The Difference Between Pigmented & Non-Pigmented Inks? - Q&A Slices

What is the difference between pigmented and non pigmented inks? Are they better for my pen or perhaps worse? I received a random sample package (great BTW) with a pigmented blue from platinum and don't want to put it I'm my pen before I know how it will behave

Most FP inks are dye-based, so they're water, dye, and some other stuff but is all liquid
Pigmented inks actually have fine powder (pigment) in them to give them color that are suspended in the liquid
Pigmented inks are better in some ways, worse in others
pigmented inks are more resistant to UV, very archival, are better for really ink resistant paper, and for watercolor/art stuff
they are more likely to clog, and are more difficult to clean from the pen if it dries up in it
you have to be a little more diligent using/cleaning them, but it's nothing too cumbersome
I haven't heard of people "ruining" their pens with pigmented inks (like with calligraphy inks, which are a different story)
it's not anything to be scared of, just know you have to step up your pen maintenance game with pigmented inks

Check out the Full Version of Episode 155:

[lucasward]

hey that was my question from Instagram. thanks so much for answering my question!!

[pinkskiestoday]

It's August of 2023 and this video helped me decide whether to get a pigmented ink or not. Thanks, Brian.

[camach.]

Love these videos. I'm new to FP's but I love them so far.

[jmiller]

Great information, storm analogy perfect. Thanks!

[MichaelHarto]

The Sailor nano carbon inks like sei-boku & kiwaguro are well behaved pigment inks. the carbon particle is much smaller than regular carbon pigment. they don't clog your pen easily, almost like a regular dye ink.

[alexreisinho]

PRECISO VOSSA AJUDA, TENHO IMPRESSORA LT-2711 (tinta 104 corante), POSSO USAR TINTA NUM.102 PIGMENTADA ?? ou misturar as duas ?

[captain]

Hey Brian :) I'm new to fountain pens, and got a gorgeous new pen but wondering what would be the best ink for noobs? I was wondering if MontBlanc is good?

[smileandlaughs]

is it OK to use printer ink on fountain pen? if not what kind of damage could out cause the pen?

[ok-qztg]

quick question, if I wanted to get a 5 gallon glass jug of ink from Goulet pens, would that be possible? no joke ✋

[MrEmahony]

Dear Goulet Pen people. Sorry to be a pain but i've just ordered some ink samples from you to be shipped to the UK using the USPS First Class (International) shipping option. I'm kind of pathetically excited about trying out some new inks in my new Lamy 2000 birthday present. Do you know roughly when I may be able to expect my order? Sorry if this is awkwardly specific. I'm just a bit buzzed about this. Thanks for all the amazing videos! :) <3

[starshinesoldier]

For the Platinum Carbon Ink, do we have to use the Platinum Carbon Desk Fountain Pen? Is that pen designed for the carbon ink, or can I use whatever fountain pen?

[vishalyagnik]

If ink causes corrosion to metal then how about nib?

[MsTannebaum]

Is ink that glows under UV light pigmented or dyed? I'm having my eyes on Noodler's blue ghost but it's hard to come by here in Germany, are there any alternatives?