Understanding the lightfastness, permanence and archival quality of inks

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.