# Best Waterproof Inks for Calligraphy and Mixed Media Source: https://calligraphynest.com/best/best-waterproof-inks Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Calligraphy Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://calligraphynest.com/how-we-research#our-score Waterproof ink earns its keep the moment your lettering meets moisture: a watercolor wash over an inked quote, an addressed envelope caught in the rain, or fingerprints on a freshly framed piece. The best options combine genuine water resistance once dry with the flow and fine-line control calligraphers need while writing. That balance is trickier than it sounds, because heavily shellacked India inks can gum up pointed nibs, while some pigment inks labeled water resistant still lift under a wet brush. This guide compares waterproof inks across dip pen, brush, and fineliner use, covering dry time, layering behavior under washes, nib cleanup, and which formulas stay matte versus drying glossy. ## Picks ### 1. Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Ink (Set 1), 1.0 oz, Set of 12 Bottles Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Ink Set 1, twelve 1.0 oz bottles of vivid waterproof colors for lettering and illustration. Pros: - Twelve bright Bombay colors turn one purchase into a full ink palette - Waterproof once dry, so colored lettering survives watercolor layers - Small 1.0 oz bottles are easy to dip into directly with a nib Cons: - Pigmented ink settles, so each bottle needs a shake before every session - Set 1 fixes the color selection, so favorite shades may be missing Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0056AE8G6 ### 2. Handy Art Black Velvet Waterproof India Ink, 16 Fl Oz, Matte Black, Permanent, for Technical Pens, Dip Pens, Calligraphy Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Handy Art Black Velvet waterproof India ink in a 16 fl oz bottle, a matte permanent black for dip pens and technical pens. Pros: - Large 16 fl oz bottle keeps a busy practice routine stocked for a long time - Matte black finish scans and photographs without distracting shine - Permanent, waterproof lines let you paint washes over finished lettering Cons: - Big bottle is awkward to dip from, so decanting into a small jar is wiser - Shellac-style waterproof ink can gum up nibs if left to dry on them Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B007TID9YA ### 3. Dr. Ph. Martin's Black Star Hi-Carb Waterproof India Ink, 18 Pack Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Dr. Ph. Martin's Black Star Hi-Carb waterproof India ink in an 18 pack, a deep carbon black for pointed pen and drafting. Pros: - Hi-Carb formula is known for a rich, very opaque black line - 18 pack stocks a studio or class with matching bottles of the same ink - Waterproof finish lets you erase pencil guides and paint without smearing Cons: - Buying 18 bottles is overkill unless you teach or letter at volume - Dense carbon ink needs regular nib rinsing to avoid buildup Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0BSSLQL9L ### 4. Speedball Super Black India Ink, 2-Ounce Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Speedball Super Black India ink in a 2-ounce bottle, a dense, opaque black for lettering, inking and dip pens. Pros: - Very opaque black gives bold, solid strokes that scan cleanly - India ink is waterproof when dry, so it pairs well with watercolor - Speedball ink works well with their widely sold dip nibs and holders Cons: - Shellac in India ink can gum up nibs if not cleaned right away - Thicker ink may need a little water to flow through fine pointed nibs Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0007ZJ8TM ### 5. Liquidraw Drawing Ink Set of 10 Colored India Ink Bottles 35ml Waterproof Assorted Colors for Art, Calligraphy, Dip Pens Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Liquidraw drawing ink set of 10 colored India inks in 35ml bottles, waterproof for art, calligraphy and dip pens. Pros: - Waterproof India ink lets you add watercolor washes over colored lettering - Ten assorted colors give a ready palette for decorative projects - 35ml bottles are a useful size for regular colored practice Cons: - Waterproof ink must be cleaned from nibs before it dries and hardens - Colors are fixed in the set, so exact shade choice is not possible Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0792XBGQY ### 6. New York Central India Ink 16oz Bottle - Matte Black India Ink for Artists, Calligraphy, Illustrations Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) New York Central matte black India ink in a 16oz bottle, a bulk ink for artists, illustrators and calligraphy students. Pros: - 16oz size is economical for classes, studios and heavy daily drills - Matte black dries without glare, which suits scanning finished pieces - Works across illustration and lettering, so one bottle covers both hobbies Cons: - Test waterproofness on scrap paper before adding washes - Store brand ink is less documented than long-standing calligraphy inks Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0CC6N32T8 ### 7. Winsor & Newton Specialty Ink, Black, 14ml Bottle Our score: 7.0/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Winsor & Newton black specialty ink in a 14ml bottle, a small trusted-brand bottle for trying waterproof lettering ink. Pros: - Tiny 14ml bottle is a low-risk way to test a premium maker's black - Winsor & Newton has a long record of consistent artist inks - Compact size travels well in a calligraphy supply case Cons: - Small volume runs out fast if you letter every day - Specialty label is vague, so check the exact formula before buying Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B000KNP96C ### 8. Sax Black India Ink, 1 Quart, Black Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Sax black India ink sold by the quart, a school-supply bulk ink suited to classrooms and group lettering workshops. Pros: - Quart container is built for refilling many student ink jars at once - Classic India ink gives dense black lines for drills and poster lettering - Bulk format lowers the per-project cost for teachers and clubs Cons: - Far more ink than a solo hobbyist can use before it thickens - Classroom-grade ink may not flow as finely as specialist calligraphy inks Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B084RN5746 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.