A Guide to Pens

Introduction to Pens

Types of Artist Pens

Choosing the Right Pen for Your Practice

Pen Inks and Refills

What Surfaces Work Best with Pens?

Pen Care and Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Reading

Glossary

While pens are a relatively modern invention, the practice of drawing and writing with ink has a long history. Ancient artists and scribes used reed pens, brushes, and quills to make their marks. Today’s pens offer much more variety, from ultra-fine technical liners to flexible brush pens and vibrant pigment markers.

Pens are valued for their control, consistency, and ease of use. They don’t require mixing or preparation, and they dry quickly on most surfaces. This makes them ideal for sketching, journalling, calligraphy, illustration, and mixed media work. Whether you’re after clean lines or bold graphic marks, there’s a pen that will suit your style.

In this guide, we explore the different types of artist pens, how they work, and how to care for them so they stay in the best condition.

The world of artist pens offers incredible variety. Each type serves different purposes and creates unique effects. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right tool for your creative work.

Sketching pens, also called drawing pens or fineliners, are the workhorses of pen-based art. They feature broader, more flexible nibs than technical pens. This flexibility allows for expressive line variation. You can create thin lines with light pressure or bold strokes with firm pressure.

Waterproof sketching pens are ideal for detailed pen-and-wash techniques; the ink flows smoothly and won’t smudge when you layer watercolour or other water-based media on top.

Popular brands include Uni Pin, Sakura Pigma Micron, Staedtler Pigment Liners, and Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens. They come in various tip sizes, typically ranging from 0.1mm to 0.8mm.

Dip pens are one of the most traditional drawing tools. They do not have an internal reservoir for holding ink, instead requiring regular dipping into a supply of ink to continue making a mark. Dip pens usually consist of a metal nib that can be slotted into a pen-like handle. 

The variation in marks makes dip pens exciting and unpredictable. Fresh ink creates bold, saturated lines. As the ink runs low, lines become lighter and scratchier. This progression adds character to your work.

Nibs come in many shapes and sizes. Manuscript and William Mitchell Calligraphy offer great ranges for fine lines and flexibility. Mapping nibs create ultra-fine details. Each nib produces different line qualities and textures.

Bamboo dip pens are a simple drawing tool used to create a range of expressive marks. Made from dried bamboo stems, they are designed to be dipped into ink. Because they do not hold much liquid, it is difficult to create long, flowing lines, but they are perfect for staccato marks, ticks, and building up texture with short, dry strokes. They are commonly used in Chinese painting, calligraphy, and ink drawing.

The ink choices are endless. India ink creates deep blacks and flows smoothly. Acrylic inks offer vibrant colours. Some artists mix their own inks for custom colours. You can even use diluted watercolours or gouache. To maintain the performance of the nib, waterproof inks will need to be rinsed off soon after use.

Dip pens require more skill than modern pens. You must manage ink flow and pressure carefully. But this challenge rewards you with expressive, dynamic marks that are hard to achieve with other tools.

To learn more, read our ‘Guide to Dip Pens and Drawing Ink’ on Jackson’s Art Blog.

Calligraphy pens are designed for beautiful writing and decorative text. They feature flat, angled nibs that create thick and thin strokes depending on direction. This contrast gives calligraphy its elegant appearance.

Traditional calligraphy uses dip pens with broad nibs. These allow for maximum line variation. Modern calligraphy pens often feature cartridge systems for convenience. They maintain the broad nib design while eliminating the need for constant dipping.

Popular calligraphy pen brands include Pilot Parallel, Sakura, and Manuscript. These pens come with various nib widths, typically 1.1mm to 6.0mm. Broader nibs create a more dramatic thick-thin contrast.

Beyond traditional letterforms, calligraphy pens work well for artistic applications. They create interesting textures and patterns. Many artists use them for abstract marks and decorative elements in mixed media work.

Learning calligraphy requires practice and patience. Proper pen angle and consistent letter spacing take time to develop. But the results are deeply satisfying and add elegance to any project.

Marker pens are bold, vibrant tools perfect for dynamic artwork. Most use permanent, alcohol-based inks that work on various surfaces. They flow freely and create intense colours that resist fading.

Markers come in countless colours and tip options. Fine tips work for details and outlines. Broad tips cover large areas quickly. Chisel tips offer both broad and fine lines from a single marker. Brush tips provide painterly effects.

Popular marker pen brands include Copic, Kuretake, ShinHan, Tombow, Liquitex, and Posca. Copic markers are used in many areas of design and professional illustration including fashion, interior, manga, architectural, and product design.

Alcohol markers excel at smooth gradations and colour mixing. They work well on marker paper, which prevents bleeding. However, they can bleed through thin papers. Always test on your chosen surface first.

These markers work wonderfully for concept art, comic illustration, and graphic design. They dry quickly and produce clean, professional results. Many artists combine them with other media for mixed techniques. Not all alcohol markers are lightfast, so you should check the rating on the pen or colour chart if this is of importance to you.

Sharpie markers are simple and affordable but have less blending capability as they are not usually used as a drawing tool. They are most often used as a studio workhorse for labelling boxes and storage bags, and for writing on tape, notes, parcels, etc.

Brush pens combine the control of a pen with the expressiveness of a brush. They feature flexible tips that respond to pressure and angle. This creates natural line variation similar to traditional brush painting.

Brush pens bridge the gap between paint and pen. They work perfectly with drawing techniques that employ both watercolour and drawn lines. Water-based brush pens are perfect for watercolour effects. You can blend colours while wet or activate dry marks with water. 

Brush pens are useful for illustration, expressive drawing, brush lettering, and East Asian calligraphy. Many manga and anime artists use them for dynamic lines and expressive characters.

Popular brush pen brands include Faber-Castell Pitt Brush Pens, ShinHan Touch, Kuretake Zig, and Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pens. 

To learn more, read ‘Brush Pens: The Definitive Guide’ on Jackson’s Art Blog.

Technical pens offer precision for detailed work. They have strong, long-lasting nibs that maintain consistent line widths. The ink flow is carefully controlled for smooth, even lines.

These pens were first used for architectural and engineering drawings. They produce clean, uniform lines that are essential for technical drawing. Artists adopted them for precise artwork requiring exact line weights.

Technical pens come in standard line widths: 0.13mm, 0.18mm, 0.25mm, 0.35mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 1.0mm. This system ensures consistent results across projects. Artists often use multiple widths to create depth.

These pens work beautifully for detailed illustrations, urban sketches, and technical diagrams. The precise lines make them ideal for crosshatching and stippling. They require maintenance but reward you with professional results.

Beyond these main categories, many speciality pens serve specific purposes:

White Gel Pens create highlights and details, which are great on dark papers. Sakura Gelly Roll® was the first pen to use a gel in its ink formula, and it has remained a favourite for its creamy colour and the unique properties of the gel ink.

Metallic Pens add shimmer and luxury to artwork. Gold, silver, and copper inks catch light beautifully. They work well for decorative accents and special effects.

Fabric Pens are designed for textile art. Their inks bond with fabric fibres and resist washing. 

Glass Paint Pens work on smooth, non-porous surfaces. They're perfect for window art, ceramics, and mixed media projects. POSCA Paint markers are some of the most popular, with a wide range of tip sizes, shapes, and colours to choose from.

Multi-liners or dual-tipped pens offer multiple tip sizes in one pen. Some feature different colours on each end. These versatile tools reduce the number of pens you need to carry.

The right pen for you depends on a number of factors. Think about how much detail you like in your work, the type of mark you want to make, and how much colour you use.

A good starting point is to try a few different types. Once you start to work out what works best for you, you can then invest in a few high quality pens that will perform well and last. Over time, you’ll build a collection that suits your style and grows with your practice.

Consider these factors when selecting artist pens:

Purpose
At first, try to match the pen type to your intended use. For example, precise pens for technical work. Bolder marks benefit from more flexible options, such as a brush pen. Once you gain more confidence, you can experiment with different pens for your technique, allowing you to achieve unique results and develop your style.

Surface
Different pens work better on specific papers. Markers need non-bleeding surfaces. Dip pens work on most papers but prefer smooth textures. Continue reading the ‘Surfaces’ section of this guide to learn more.

Permanence
Some inks fade over time or aren't waterproof. Make sure to choose archival inks for artwork you want to preserve. To learn more, read 'Fugitive Pigments: Why Do They Fade, and Does it Matter?' on Jackson's Art Blog.

Budget
The best quality pens cost more but last longer and perform better. We recommend that you start with a student or mid-range option and upgrade as you become more certain of your drawing approach. Our website lets you filter and sort by price, so you can find the perfect pen for your budget. 

Comfort
Pen weight, grip size, and balance affect your comfort during long drawing sessions. The grip should feel natural and not too narrow or wide for your fingers. Some pens have soft or textured grips to reduce fatigue. 

Balance is also important. The pen shouldn’t feel top or bottom-heavy when you hold it. Testing a few styles can help you find what feels best in your hand. A comfortable pen makes it easier to stay focused on your work.

Understanding pen inks and refills helps you make better choices for your artwork. Different ink types offer unique properties and effects. Some inks are permanent, whilst others can be reactivated with water. Some fade over time, whilst others remain vibrant for decades. You can also learn more in our complete ‘Guide to Inks’.

Dye-based inks create bright, vivid colours that flow smoothly. Most of the student felt-tip pens and markers you see use dye-based inks. They're cheap to produce and offer a huge selection of vibrant colours. 

However, dye-based inks often fade when exposed to light. They are also more likely to bleed through thin papers. These inks work well for sketches and practice work, but may not be ideal for finished pieces you want to keep. Designers who digitally scan their work may not be worried about fading since they're creating digital copies that preserve the original colours.

Pigment-based inks contain tiny particles suspended in liquid. These particles sit on the paper surface, rather than soaking in like dyes. This creates more vibrant colours that pop on the surface and resist fading over time. Popular pigment-based pens include Sakura Pigma Pens and Copic Multiliner SP. 

Pigment inks are archival quality. This means they won't fade significantly over time. They're also usually waterproof once dry. This makes them perfect for finished artwork and illustrations you want to preserve. Some pigments have better lightfastness than others, so it's always a good idea to check if this is of concern to you. You can also learn more in our ‘Guide to Pigments’.

The downside is that pigment inks can be more expensive. They may also clog pen tips more easily. This is due to the larger pigment particles settling or drying in the tip. This can be remedied by storing pens horizontally and gently cleaning tips with a damp cloth if they start to skip. Some artists also give their pens a gentle shake before use to redistribute any settled pigments.

Indian ink is a traditional black ink made from carbon. It creates deep, rich blacks that don't fade over time. This ink has been used for centuries in calligraphy and art.

Modern Indian inks often include shellac or other binders. These help the ink flow smoothly and adhere well to paper. Some Indian inks are waterproof, whilst others can be reactivated with water.

Indian ink works beautifully with dip pens and brushes. It's perfect for both precise linework and bold strokes. Many comic artists prefer Indian ink for its intense black depth.

Acrylic inks combine pigments with an acrylic polymer binder. This results in a permanent, waterproof ink that won't fade over time. They're similar to acrylic paint but much thinner in consistency.

These inks work well with dip pens and brushes. They dry quickly and once dry, they're completely permanent and can't be removed.

Acrylic inks come in many colours, including metallics and fluorescents. They're great for mixed media work because they won't react with other materials once dry. 

To learn more about different types of acrylic, read 'The Variation in Acrylic Paint Viscosity' on Jackson's Art Blog. You can also visit our ‘Guide to Acrylic Paint’.

Water-based inks use water as their binder. They tend to be cleaner, have less odour, and tend to be safer than solvent-based alternatives. Plus, once dry, many remain watersoluble, meaning you can easily reblend or lift them with a damp brush.

For mixed media, watercolour pencils and water-based brush pens can be used to create beautiful blending and wash effects. You can create soft gradients by adding water to dry marks. Care should be taken with water-based inks; they can smudge if they get wet after drying.

Alcohol-based inks dry quickly and blend beautifully. They're permanent once dry and work well on many surfaces, although they can bleed through thin papers. The alcohol carrier evaporates rapidly, leaving pure pigment behind.

Popular markers like Copic use alcohol-based inks. These allow for smooth colour transitions and professional results. They're ideal for illustration and design work.

The main drawback is the strong smell and potential health concerns. Always use these inks in well-ventilated areas.

High quality pens often feature refillable ink systems. These use cartridges, converters, or bottles to add fresh ink. Refillable pens cost more initially but save money over time.

Professional technical pens use refillable cartridges. Each cartridge contains enough ink for extensive use. You can also choose different ink colours for the same pen.

Refillable systems produce less waste and often perform better. The pen bodies are built to last for years with proper care. This makes them environmentally friendly and economical for regular users.

Disposable pens are convenient and inexpensive. When the ink runs out, you simply replace the entire pen. This eliminates the need for refills and maintenance.

Many sketching and technical pens are disposable. Brands like Sakura Pigma Micron and Staedtler Pigment Liners offer reliable performance at a low cost. They are popular with all types of artists and designers, from students to professionals.

However, disposable pens create more waste and can be more expensive for heavy users. The pen quality may also be lower than refillable alternatives. Many single-use pens can be recycled when they are spent via specialist recycling programmes, such as Terracycle, for example, with drop-off points located across the UK.

Not all inks work with all pens. Technical pens require thin, fast-flowing inks. Thick inks can clog the precise mechanisms. Always check manufacturer recommendations.

Classic fountain pen inks work well with dip pens but may be too thin for markers. Acrylic inks suit brush pens but can damage fountain pen feeds. Understanding these differences prevents damage and ensures good performance.

When in doubt, stick with the recommended inks from the manufacturer. They're formulated to work perfectly with specific pen types. This ensures a reliable flow and prevents clogs.

Archival papers are pH-neutral and work well with most inks. Cheap papers often contain acids that can affect ink performance. For important work, invest in quality paper that won't react with your inks.

Mixing different types of ink can cause problems. Water-based and oil-based inks will not layer well together but can lead to interesting results. Always test on scraps before using them on finished work.

Consider these factors when selecting pen inks:

For finished artwork, choose archival, lightfast inks. These resist fading and maintain colour over time. For practice work, student quality inks work perfectly well.

Some inks work better on specific surfaces. Alcohol-based inks suit most papers but may bleed on thin stock. Water-based inks work well on watercolour paper but may puddle on smooth surfaces.

Blending techniques require compatible inks. Alcohol-based markers blend beautifully. Water-based inks work well for wash effects. Plan your ink choices around your intended methods.

Understanding these ink properties helps you choose the right tools for your artistic goals. Quality inks enhance your work and ensure it lasts for years to come.

The surface you choose affects how your pens perform. Different papers and materials interact with inks in unique ways. Some surfaces make colours pop, whilst others cause bleeding or feathering. Understanding these helps you get the best results from your pens.

Smooth papers provide excellent control for detailed work. The even surface allows pens to glide smoothly without catching or skipping. Fine details stay crisp and clean.

Bristol board is one of the most popular surfaces for pen work. Its smooth, hard surface works perfectly with technical pens and fine liners. The paper doesn't absorb much ink, so colours stay vibrant on the surface.

Hot pressed watercolour paper also works well for pen drawing. It's smoother than cold pressed but still has some texture. This slight tooth helps hold ink whilst maintaining clean lines.

Marker paper is specially designed for use with marker pens. It prevents bleeding and allows smooth colour blending. Brands such as Canson and ShinHan offer professional results.

Textured surfaces add a unique quality to pen work. The paper's tooth breaks up solid lines, creating interesting effects. This works particularly well for expressive sketching.

Cold pressed watercolour paper has a medium texture that suits brush pens and sketching pens. The surface holds ink well and adds subtle texture to your marks.

Drawing papers with a slight texture work well for everyday sketching. They're less expensive than watercolour paper and many have a softer surface that is less abrasive for fibre-tipped pens than watercolour paper.

Rough watercolour paper creates dramatic texture effects. However, very fine pen tips may catch on the rough surface. Use broader tips or brush pens for best results.

Paper weight affects how ink behaves and whether it bleeds through. Heavier papers are better at holding wet media such as ink, without excessive bleed-through or buckling.

Lightweight papers (under 140gsm) may allow ink to bleed through. This creates problems when working on both sides or using heavy ink applications.

Medium-weight papers (140-300gsm) work well for most pen techniques. They provide good ink control and come in a range of sizes and formats.

Heavy papers (over 300gsm) handle wet techniques with ease. They're ideal for mixed media work, combining pens with watercolours, or washes.

Marker papers are designed specifically for use with marker pens. They feature a special coating that prevents ink from soaking through whilst allowing smooth blending. These papers work brilliantly for illustration and design work. The surface allows markers to glide smoothly and blend seamlessly. Colours stay vibrant and true on the surface.

However, marker papers may not suit other pen types. Water-based inks might bead up or not adhere properly. Always test before committing to finished work.

Layout papers are thin, smooth papers. They were originally designed for preliminary sketches. They're translucent, allowing you to trace or transfer designs easily. These papers work well with fine technical pens and pencils. However, they're too thin for heavy ink application or wet techniques. Use them for detailed line work only.

Illustration boards provide a rigid surface that won't buckle under wet media. They combine paper surfaces with sturdy backing boards.

Hot pressed illustration boards work well for detailed pen work. The smooth surface and rigid backing make them ideal for professional illustrations.

Cold pressed boards add texture whilst maintaining stability. They're perfect for expressive pen and wash techniques.

Toned papers can enhance your pen work. Grey, cream, and other neutral grounds provide interesting starting points from which to build your idea.

White gel pens and light-coloured inks pop on dark papers. This creates dramatic contrast which can bring depth to an artwork.

Always test new paper and pen combinations before starting important work. Draw test lines with your intended pens to check for bleeding or feathering.

Pay attention to how quickly inks dry. Some paper and ink combinations take longer to set, increasing smudging risk.

If you plan to layer different pens or media, test these combinations first. Some inks react poorly when layered over others.

Water-based inks may reactivate when alcohol-based markers are applied over them. This can cause unwanted mixing or bleeding.

If your pens bleed excessively, try heavier paper or different ink types. Pigment-based inks often bleed less than dye-based inks.

You can also try sizing your paper with dilute PVA glue or other sizing solutions. This creates a barrier that reduces ink absorption.

Feathering occurs when ink spreads along paper fibres, creating fuzzy lines. Smoother papers help to reduce this problem.

Using waterproof inks can help prevent feathering. These inks set quickly and don't continue spreading after application.

If pens skip or flow poorly, the paper surface may be too rough or too smooth. Try different paper textures to find the right balance.

Very smooth papers can be too slippery for some pens. Slightly textured surfaces can often provide better ink flow.

Proper care can extend the life of your pen and ensure consistent performance. Simple maintenance habits prevent clogs, dried tips, and poor ink flow. A few minutes of care can save you money and frustration.

Always replace caps immediately after use. Even a few minutes of air exposure can dry out fine tips. This simple habit prevents most pen problems.

Make capping part of your natural workflow. Get into the rhythm of cap on, draw, cap off. This becomes automatic with practice.

Store pens flat when possible. This keeps the ink distributed evenly and prevents air bubbles. Vertical storage can cause ink to pool at one end.

If you must store pens vertically, keep fine-tipped pens tip-down and brush pens tip-up. This maintains proper ink flow to the tip.

Keep pens at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Extreme heat can cause inks to dry out or change consistency. Cold temperatures may make inks flow poorly.

Clean pen tips gently with a damp cloth if they start skipping. Use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits. Dab rather than wipe to avoid damaging delicate tips.

For stubborn clogs, try drawing on scrap paper to work the ink flow. Gentle circular motions can help to redistribute settled pigments.

Technical pens need regular cleaning to prevent clogs. Disassemble the pen according to manufacturer instructions. Clean all parts with appropriate solvents or cleaners.

Never use force when reassembling. If parts don't fit easily, check for proper alignment. Forcing components can damage precise mechanisms.

Clean dip pen nibs after each use. Dried ink can ruin the fine points and affect ink flow. Rinse in clean water and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.

Store nibs in a dry place with good air circulation. Some artists use small containers with rice or silica gel to absorb moisture.

If a pen tip has dried out, try gentle cleaning with a damp cloth. Soaking the tip briefly in distilled water can help reactivate the ink.

For severe cases, remove the cartridge and soak just the tip section. Be patient, forcing dried ink can damage the pen permanently.

Shake pigment-based pens gently before use. This redistributes settled particles and improves flow. Don't shake too vigorously as this can create air bubbles.

Check that cartridges are properly seated. Loose connections can cause flow problems and ink leaks.

If your pens suddenly start bleeding, check your paper. Different batches of the same paper can behave differently. Also, check if your workspace humidity has changed.

Sometimes ink flow increases with warm weather. Store pens in cooler areas if bleeding becomes an issue.

For pens you use often, simple pen holders work well. Keep them easily accessible but protected from light and temperature changes.

Pen cases and some pencil cases protect travelling pens from damage. Choose cases with individual slots to prevent pens from knocking against each other.

For pens you won't use for weeks or months, extra care prevents problems. Ensure all caps are tight and store in consistent temperature conditions.

Consider removing ink cartridges from expensive pens during long storage. This prevents potential leaks and pressure build-up.

Replace pen tips when they become frayed, split, or compressed. Damaged tips create inconsistent lines and may scratch paper.

Monitor ink quality over time. If colours become muddy or flow becomes erratic, it may be time for new cartridges or pens.

Keep track of how long your pens last with proper care. This helps you budget for replacements and identify which brands offer the best value.

Proper pen care becomes second nature with practice. These simple habits protect your investment and ensure your pens perform reliably.

Artist Pens: Popular Questions from Artists

A Guide to Ink

A Guide to Drawing

Brush Pens: The Definitive Guide

A Guide to Dip Pens and Drawing Ink

Colour, Texture, Layers: Faber-Castell Pitt Pens Review

Posca Pens Are Perfect for Painting

A

Alcohol-Based Ink
A fast-drying ink made with an alcohol carrier. Popular in markers for smooth blending and vivid colour. Permanent and works on a range of surfaces.

Archival Ink
Ink that is pH-neutral, lightfast, and permanent. Does not fade over time.

B
Bleed
When ink spreads through the paper, causing lines to become fuzzy or show through the back. More common with thin papers and wet media.

Brush Pen 
A pen with a flexible, brush-like tip. Allows expressive line variation and painterly effects. 

C

Calligraphy Pen
A pen designed with a flat or chisel tip for creating stylised, decorative lettering. May be dip, cartridge, or refillable.

Capillary Action
The method by which ink flows from a pen reservoir to the tip, using surface tension.

Cartridge
A removable, replaceable container. Holds ink in refillable pens.

Clogging
When dried ink or debris blocks ink flow. Often caused by improper storage or infrequent use.

Converter
A refillable device that allows fountain pens to be filled from bottled ink.

D

Dip Pen
A pen with a metal nib that must be dipped into ink. Offers expressive, varied linework but requires more maintenance and skill.

Disposable Pen
A pen intended for single use. Cannot be refilled or repaired.

F

Feathering
The spreading of ink into the fibres of paper. Causes lines to look fuzzy.
 
Fibre Tip
A felt or porous plastic tip found in many pens, especially markers.

Fugitive Ink
Ink that is not lightfast and will fade over time with exposure to sunlight.

G

Gel Ink
A smooth-flowing ink suspended in a water-based gel. Offers rich colour and works well on dark papers.

Glass Paint Pen
A pen that works on slick, non-absorbent surfaces like glass, ceramic, or plastic. Often waterproof and permanent.

I

Indian Ink
A deep black ink made from carbon and binder, often shellac. Known for permanence and strong line quality.

Ink Well
A container used to hold ink for dip pens.

L

Lightfastness
A measure of how resistant a pigment or ink is to fading when exposed to light.

Line Width
The thickness of a pen’s mark. Usually measured in millimetres.

M

Marker Paper
A smooth, bleed-resistant paper. Designed to work with alcohol or dye-based markers.

Metallic Pen
A pen with ink containing metallic particles. Often used for decorative effects on dark or coloured paper.

Micron Pen
A brand of pigment-based technical pen made by Sakura. Known for archival quality and precision.

Multi-liner
A pen with multiple tips or dual ends, offering more than one line width or colour.

N

Nib
The part of a pen that contacts the surface and delivers the ink. Can be rigid (technical pen) or flexible (dip pen, brush pen).

O

Opacity
The degree to which ink covers the surface beneath it. Opaque ink is less see-through.

P

Pigment-Based Ink
Ink made from solid pigment particles suspended in liquid. Offers high permanence and lightfastness.

Porous Tip
A soft pen tip made from felt or compressed fibre. Common in fine liners and markers.

POSCA Pen
A popular brand of paint marker. Known for opaque, water-based pigment ink. Great for use on a variety of surfaces.

R

Refillable Pen
A pen designed to be refilled with ink cartridges, converters, or bottled ink. More eco-friendly and cost-effective over time.

Reservoir
The internal part of a pen that holds ink before it is delivered to the nib or tip.

S
Sketching Pen
A pen designed for freehand drawing. Offers fluid ink flow and expressive line variation.

Solvent-Based Ink
Ink that uses solvents like alcohol or oil for quick drying and permanent marks.

Stippling
A technique involving small dots made with pen to build tone and texture.

Surface Sizing
A treatment applied to paper to reduce absorbency and control ink flow.

T

Technical Pen
A pen designed for precise, consistent line widths. Often used in architectural drawings.

Toned Paper
Paper with a coloured surface (often grey or tan) used to enhance contrast and work with light or dark inks.

U

UV Resistance
The ability of ink or paper to resist fading caused by UV light exposure.

W

Wash
A diluted ink or water-based medium. Used to create tonal effects. Often applied with a brush or water-activated pen.

Water-Based Ink
Ink that uses water as the solvent. Some water-based inks can be reactivated with water, while some dry waterproof.

Waterproof Ink
Ink that resists smudging or reactivation once dry. Important for ink and wash techniques.