inkttypen

Inkttypen describes the different formulations of ink used in writing, drawing and printing. The term covers inks for consumer pens as well as professional printing inks, and reflects variations in pigments, dyes, binders, solvents and carriers.

In writing and drawing, common categories include water-based inks used in fountain pens and rollerballs, gel inks, and oil-based inks used in ballpoints. Dye-based inks tend to offer brighter colors and lower cost, but pigment-based inks generally provide greater lightfastness and archival stability. Inks must balance flow, viscosity, drying time and compatibility with nibs and papers.

In printing, inks are usually pigment-based or dye-based. Dye inks achieve wide color gamuts and vivid tones, while pigment inks rely on pigment particles dispersed in resin or oil for higher lightfastness, water resistance and durability. Traditional offset printing uses oil- or solvent-based inks; digital and large-format printing increasingly use aqueous, solvent- or UV-curable inks, depending on substrate and application.

Key properties include colorant type (pigment vs dye), adhesion to substrate, drying mechanism, opacity, lightfastness, water and rub resistance, and drying time. Substrate and coating, temperature and humidity, and printer or pen design influence performance and longevity.

Safety and environmental aspects focus on solvent and VOC content, heavy metals, and recyclability. Modern inks often aim for lower VOCs, water-based formulations, and use of sustainable carriers such as vegetable oils or dyestuffs from renewable sources.

Historically, inks evolved from iron gall and carbon-based inks to synthetic dyes and pigment dispersions, driven by needs for faster production, permanence and color variety.