A Brief History of Inks From Iron Gall to Ink Splats

Ink Runs Deep: A Quick Dip into the History of Inks

The history of inks is, quite literally, written into the story of civilization. Ancient Egyptians were daubing black soot ink onto papyrus as early as 2600 BCE, while the Chinese were grinding lampblack with animal glue to make dense, brush-friendly writing fluid by 200 BCE.

Fast forward to medieval Europe, and iron gall ink becomes the dark darling of monks and scholars—corrosive, yes, but deliciously permanent. Renaissance artists and Enlightenment philosophers alike etched their thoughts using this ink made from oak galls, iron salts, and tannins.

In the 19th century, dye-based inks began to flourish with the rise of synthetic colour chemistry. Enter modern fountain pens and ballpoints, and the ink game changed forever: faster-drying, smoother-flowing, and less likely to eat through your favourite notebook.

The Chemistry of Inks: What's In Your Bottle?

At its simplest, ink is a coloured liquid made from pigments or dyes, suspended in a fluid base. But the devil’s in the droplets:

• Pigment-based inks contain solid particles that sit on the surface of the paper. They’re fade-resistant and waterproof—ideal for permanence.

• Dye-based inks, on the other hand, soak into the paper fibres and can produce more vibrant colours, though they may fade over time.

Modern inks often include surfactants (to reduce surface tension), biocides (to prevent microbial growth), and humectants (to keep it from drying too fast). A well-balanced ink behaves beautifully on the page—no feathering, bleeding, or smudging.

For a deeper dive, check out

A History of Ink in Six Objects | History Today

How Ink is Manufactured: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing Through Time: The Evolution of Ink Instruments

Let’s take a brisk stroll through the tools that delivered ink to paper:

• Reeds and quills: The OGs of the ink world. Delicate, scratchy, but surprisingly precise.

• Dip pens: More control, but still messy—favoured by calligraphers and inky romantics.

• Fountain pens: Enter the reservoir! A game-changer in the 19th century, allowing smooth, continuous flow.

• Ballpoints and rollerballs: Post-war practical and pocket-friendly. Less smudge, more speed.

• Brush pens and markers: Blurring the line between ink and paint, perfect for expressive journaling.

Each one left its mark—literally.

Best Papers for Ink Use in Journaling and Writing

Ink behaves very differently depending on your paper. Here’s what to look for:

• Cotton rag paper: Archival quality, soft but durable, and brilliant for fountain pens.

• Hot-pressed watercolour paper: Smooth surface, low absorbency—perfect for juicy splats and brush pens.

• Tomoe River paper: A cult classic among journaling pros. Featherlight, buttery smooth, and fountain pen–friendly.

• Bristol board: Especially great for heavy ink layering and mixed media.

Avoid overly absorbent or cheap recycled paper—they’ll feather your lines and bleed like a bad secret.

Ink Splatting Techniques for Creative Spreads

Want to add some drama to your journal or scrapbook? Ink splats are your new best friend. Here's how to nail the technique:

🎯 1. Load the Brush and Flick

Dip a round brush in liquid ink or watercolour. Hold it over your spread and flick the bristles with your finger or tap gently against another brush. For bigger droplets, use more liquid.

🧪 2. Use a Straw (Controlled Chaos)

Place a drop of ink on the page and blow through a straw to direct the splatter. This gives an organic, directional burst.

🌀 3. Try a Pipette or Dropper

Ideal for large, concentrated ink drops. Let gravity do its thing—or tilt your journal for gorgeous trails.

🖐️ 4. Protective Measures

Always mask areas with washi tape or scrap paper if you want clean spaces. And do a test on a spare page to see how your paper holds up.

🧻 5. Blot, Smudge, or Layer

While still wet, dab with tissue for softer splats. Layer different colours after drying for contrast and texture.

Final Thoughts

Ink is more than just a tool—it’s a medium rich in history, chemistry, and creativity. Whether you’re writing your memoirs in a fountain pen or launching ink comets across your journal, understanding what’s in your bottle (and what paper to pair it with) makes for a smoother, more satisfying creative process.