Available Database of Inks with Characteristics?

[Ory]

Hi, folks! I'm still extremely new here, so my apologies if this has been asked before or if it's just a silly question, but...

 

I'm wondering if anyone here has compiled a database of inks and would be willing to share? I've used things like Inkswatch and Mountain of Ink, but I've found them a tad difficult to navigate, and I was hoping someone around here might have a Google Doc or spreadsheet or something with ink characteristics like flow, sheen, water resistance, etc., already laid out.

 

Any chance something like this exists?

 

Thanks!

[InkyProf]

@LizEF maintains one based on her ink reviews here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FZFywY7XQn07uOzayBBPMXNBOO0FlaYz3IfalIYBpy0/edit?usp=sharing

[InkyProf]

And @InesF has a spreadsheet with her own classification of ink by wetness: for discussion of what goes into this see the thread “An Alternative Look at Ink Wetness.”  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mSWCRuy2QofZDOiqrwxnNDqp-MJNIFhOMyRc0qyNj9U/edit?gid=0#gid=0

 

These are both fabulous resources by extraordinarily generous (and meticulous) FPNers.

[LizEF]

Fountain Pen Companion may or may not prove useful as an index, sort of like InkSwatch.

 

2 hours ago, InkyProf said:

@LizEF maintains one based on her ink reviews here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FZFywY7XQn07uOzayBBPMXNBOO0FlaYz3IfalIYBpy0/edit?usp=sharing

 

2 hours ago, InkyProf said:

And @InesF has a spreadsheet with her own classification of ink by wetness: for discussion of what goes into this see the thread “An Alternative Look at Ink Wetness.”  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mSWCRuy2QofZDOiqrwxnNDqp-MJNIFhOMyRc0qyNj9U/edit?gid=0#gid=0

 

These are both fabulous resources by extraordinarily generous (and meticulous) FPNers.

   Thanks, @InkyProf!

[Penguincollector]

   I use a variety of sources to get a sense of what an ink is like. Besides Liz and Ines’ fine work, I like The Mountain of Ink blog- K will usually comment on ink characteristics. The easiest way to look individual inks up is by maker on the sidebar. You do have to read the whole entry to get a sense of the ink as a whole. Vanness 1938’s online catalog will list ink properties, wet/dry, dry times, etc. I keep track of my own ink collection using the PenPal app; it lets you rate each ink’s ability to shade or sheen, saturation levels, has a spot where you can note if a ink shimmers or chromshades, and whether it’s a dye, iron gall, or pigment. You can also search other people’s ink collections. 

[Ory]

Thank you all for the responses. This has been super helpful! Very much appreciated!

[PithyProlix]

On 5/3/2026 at 9:07 AM, Penguincollector said:

I keep track of my own ink collection using the PenPal app; it lets you rate each ink’s ability to shade or sheen, saturation levels, has a spot where you can note if a ink shimmers or chromshades, and whether it’s a dye, iron gall, or pigment. You can also search other people’s ink collections. 

 

I am curious about this app. I wasn't able to find it on Google Play. Can you provide a link, please?

[Penguincollector]

12 hours ago, PithyProlix said:

 

I am curious about this app. I wasn't able to find it on Google Play. Can you provide a link, please?

Here’s a link to the website, as I don’t know my way around the Google store. 
Penpal Network

[PithyProlix]

7 hours ago, Penguincollector said:

Here’s a link to the website, as I don’t know my way around the Google store. 
Penpal Network

 

Thank you. 🙏