Fountain Pen, or dye-based inks are smooth flowing inks perfect for fountain pens. They don't contain pigments or binders that can clog up the fountain pen's feed.

They often have a more translucent quality, meaning you can build up layers to create a deeper colour and effects.

They play nicely with fountain and calligraphy pens alike and even make a great substitute for watercolour paint.

For inspiration on some the incredible effects you can achieve using fountain pen ink, Nick Stewart has some great tutorials and examples.

They are not lightfast – the little blighter that is UV rays will eventually change and lighten dye based inks if exposed to the sun.

They're not waterproof – this means that you can't paint or write over them without smudging.

Paper choice makes a big difference to feel of a fountain pen nib! Tom uses MD Paper which is lovely and smooth and perfect for fountain pen use.

All of our notebooks have been tried, tested (and are loved!) by the team.

1. Ensure you have a clean reservoir if you're switching ink colours (you can purchase replacement here). Remember to use your silicone tip grip to prevent inky fingers when removing the tip holder from the pen!
2. Dip the reservoir into your Mini Ink of choice. Let the capillary action draw the ink into the reservoir and hold for 20-30 seconds.
3. Remove the reservoir from the bottle, dab any excess ink off with some paper towel and insert back into the pen.

1. Clean the ink converter and have a soft cloth or paper towels ready.
2. Dip the clear end of the converter into the Mini Ink bottle.
3. Twist the end clockwise to draw ink in, then twist anti-clockwise to empty. Repeat until there are no air bubbles.
4. With the converter full, attach it to the nib inside the pen.
5. Twist the converter a little to push ink into the nib and wipe off any excess.

1. Clean the ink converter and have a soft cloth or paper towels ready.
2. Take the ink syringe (thin end) and insert into the Mini Ink bottle.
3. Twist the other end clockwise to draw ink in, then twist anti-clockwise to empty. Repeat until there are no air bubbles.
4. If you're refilling an empty cartridge: with the converter full, move from the ink bottle to the empty cartridge (standard international size) and release the ink.
5. If you're refilling the body of the pen: with the converter full, move from the ink bottle to the body of the pen and release the ink. Make sure you have used silicone grease to seal the pen before hand.

Our Fountain Pen Mini Inks are compatible with all Tom’s Studio Pens.

Calligraphy pens:

• Flourish
• Carrot
• Bloom

Fountain pens:

• Studio Fountain Pen  
• Studio Pocket Fountain Pen

Fineliner pens:

• Lumos 
• Lumos Mini

Calligraphy or pigment-based inks are only suited to calligraphy pens which are much easier to clean (so no clog). However, you then have to dip your pen every time you run out of ink. The solution? Using my One-Dip-Wonder to make your dip last ten times longer!

They offer rich and deep colours. Those clever particles lend these inks deep and vibrant colours. And are also available in metallics! Our range of Finetec pallettes are second to none when it comes to sparkle.

In a bottle of ink with pretty big particles (normally metallics) settling can occur as gravity works its magic. The solution (without using plenty of elbow grease and shaking often) is to use a Finetec palette or a magnetic ink stirrer (Google it – it will change your life!)

I have my own glorious range of the finest calligraphy inks that are absolutely superb for all things calligraphy.

They're often lightfast. So because they contain colour particles the sun can shine all it likes and it will have a much harder time effecting the colour.

They're waterproof! Some pigment based inks are permanent like our Indian Ink, which contains a modern type of shellac so it won't bleed if you want to layer other inks on top.

The Lumos is compatible with all but the most experimental Fountain Pen Inks (our Shimmer ink, for example, is not suitable).

Please note: Calligraphy Ink has an acrylic binder which will block the pen and is not suitable for use with The Lumos.

The Studio Fountain Pen works beautifully with all Fountain Pen Inks (including our Shimmer Inks!)

Please note: Calligraphy Ink has an acrylic binder which will block the pen and is not suitable for use with The Lumos.

All inks are compatible with the Flourish, but we recommend our Calligraphy Inks which are both durable and dense when dried, and completely water resistant.