An oil based ink pen is a writing instrument that uses ink where the coloring agent (dye) is dissolved in an oil base. These pens are most famously represented by ballpoint pens, which are the most common example of pens utilizing this type of ink.
What is Oil-Based Ink?
As the name suggests, the defining characteristic of an oil-based ink is its composition. According to sources like the provided reference, an oil-based ink consists of dye dissolved in oil. This oil base is generally quite viscous, meaning it is thick and flows slowly compared to water-based inks.
Due to the relative viscosity of the oil, the ink runs thicker, and more sludgy. This high viscosity is one reason why ballpoint pens require a rolling ball tip – the movement helps to transfer the thick ink from the reservoir onto the paper. The reference notes that you can almost feel the ink between the pen tip and the paper, highlighting the distinct, tactile writing experience offered by these thicker inks.
Key Characteristics of Oil-Based Ink Pens
Here are some notable characteristics:
- Composition: Contains dye dissolved in an oil base.
- Viscosity: The ink is typically high-viscosity (thick).
- Writing Feel: Offers a distinct, often 'felt' resistance or flow on the paper due to its thickness.
- Common Use: Predominantly found in ballpoint pens.
- Drying Time: Generally dries relatively quickly on the surface of the paper, minimizing smudging.
Oil-based ink pens, particularly ballpoints, are widely used for everyday writing due to their reliability, quick drying, and ability to write on various paper types.
