You can make a basic fountain pen ink at home using tea leaves, water, and a thickening agent. Here's how:
Simple Tea Ink Recipe
This method creates a simple, sepia-toned ink. Remember to use this ink in pens you don't value highly, as homemade inks can be less reliable than commercial inks.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Tea leaves (black tea works best)
- Gum Arabic or Honey (as a thickener)
- Coffee filters or old T-shirt for straining
Instructions:
- Boil the Tea: Combine water and tea leaves in a pot. A general guideline is to use a ratio of about 1 cup of water to 2 tablespoons of tea leaves, but you can adjust this for a stronger or weaker color.
- Simmer: Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes. The longer you boil, the more concentrated the ink will be.
- Strain: Use a coffee filter or an old T-shirt to strain the tea liquid into a clean bowl. Ensure all the tea leaves are removed.
- Thicken (Optional): Add a very small amount of gum Arabic or honey to thicken the ink. Start with a tiny pinch of gum Arabic powder or a single drop of honey. Whisk it in thoroughly. Adding too much can make the ink too viscous or sticky.
- Cool: Allow the ink to cool completely before using it.
Important Considerations:
- Pen Compatibility: Homemade inks are not always compatible with all fountain pens. They can clog feeds or stain nibs. Test the ink on a less valuable pen first.
- Mold Prevention: Because this ink contains organic materials, it is susceptible to mold growth. Adding a tiny amount of preservative (such as a very small crystal of potassium sorbate) can help, but proceed with caution and thorough research.
- Safety: Always supervise children when boiling liquids.
This method offers a simple way to create a unique, albeit potentially temperamental, ink at home. Start with small batches and experiment to find the consistency and color that works best for you.
