Adding Gum Arabic To Fountain Pen Ink

[Ash1]

Hello,

I like to test fountain pen ink with dip pens and the ink works ok with some nibs and not with others. I have looked online and am considering adding gum arabic to the ink to make it better suited for dip pens. I am considering using either Winsor and Newton, Daler Rowney or Sennelier. All are liquid form. Has anyone tried using these with fountain pen ink and what have been the results. My main concern with adding gum arabic to ink is whether it could change the properties of the ink, such as color, flow or dry time. It would be good to hear from others of their experiences.

 

Thank you,

Ash

[lgsoltek]

I've heard adding gum arabic to make fountain pen inks thicker for dip pens. I think it would work, but I haven't tried it yet. I do want to.

[Ron Z]

Just don't get the ink in a fountain pen if you do use it.

[Randal6393]

Color, flow, and dry time -- probably won't affect those. The general use of gum arabic is make the hairlines thinner and more delicate in Copperplate. Does a bit of good in Italic and other broad-edged hands as well. So it may work well in dip pens. And I don't see a great difference between the brands of gum arabic. All seem to work out much the same.

 

Again, gum arabic can cause deposits in fountain pens that, quite literally, gum up the works. Not indicated for use in fountain pens, if you must use, be sure to clean the pen thoroughly and often.

 

Best of luck,