Sheen in Inks
Footage taken by Tadaima Pen
We're thrilled to share a short video that beautifully demonstrates this incredible phenomenon. In the clip, you'll see how various inks, which appear as one colour when wet, reveal a stunning, often metallic-like secondary colour once they dry. It's truly a testament to the complex chemistry and artistry behind fountain pen inks.
What is Sheen, Exactly?
Unlike "shading," where an ink shows lighter and darker variations of its base colour, sheen occurs when certain dye components in a highly saturated ink dry on the surface of the paper, rather than fully absorbing into it. As the water evaporates, these concentrated dye particles form a thin, reflective layer that catches the light, revealing a dazzling, often contrasting, colour. Think of it like a thin film of oil on water – the way light interacts with it creates a spectrum of unexpected hues.
What Makes an Ink Sheen?
Several factors contribute to an ink's sheening abilities:
Dye Concentration: Sheening inks are typically highly saturated, meaning they have a high concentration of dyes.
Paper Type: This is crucial! Papers like Tomoe River Paper (as seen in many sheening ink demonstrations) are renowned for their resistance to ink absorption, allowing the ink to sit on the surface longer and encourage sheen. Other smooth, less absorbent papers like Midori MD or Life stationery can also produce excellent results.
Nib Size & Wetness: Broader, wetter nibs lay down more ink, increasing the amount of concentrated dye on the paper's surface and thus enhancing the sheen.
Capturing the Elusive Sheen
As you'll observe in the video, sheen can be quite elusive to capture in still photographs. It's often highly dependent on the angle of light and viewing. That's why a video demonstration, where the paper can be tilted and turned, truly brings out the full magic of these inks.
We hope this video inspires you to explore the world of sheening fountain pen inks. There's a vast array of colours and sheen combinations to discover, each adding a unique personality to your writing. Which sheening inks are your favourites? Let us know in the comments below!
