What is the difference between "tusz" and "atrament" (ink and ink)?

Tusz (pigmented ink) and atrament (dye-based ink) are two similar concepts that are often confused, yet they differ significantly in composition, properties, and application. In the following article, I will tell you about 5 main differences, so you can make more informed purchases and use them with greater awareness.

5 differences between "tusz" (pigmented ink) and "atrament" (dye-based ink)?

Tusz (pigmented ink) is a denser, more pigmented liquid usually based on a suspension of pigment particles (e.g., soot). It is opaque or semi-opaque, waterproof when dry, and very durable. It is mainly used in technical pens, markers, for artistic calligraphy, and in inkjet printers (though the name can be misleading here – technically it is often pigment ink). In calligraphy, tusz is used with a glass pen or a nib in a holder.

Atrament (dye-based ink) is generally a thinner liquid based on dyes (substances dissolved in water or another solvent), rather than a pigment suspension. It is more transparent, less water and light resistant, but also more fluid and works better in fountain pens, where precise flow is crucial. You can find high-quality atrament inks at Escribo.

Main differences in brief:

• Composition – tusz contains pigment (insoluble particles); atrament contains dye (dissolved in liquid)

• Durability – tusz is more resistant to water and fading; atrament is less so

• Consistency – tusz is thicker; atrament is thinner and more fluid

• Application – tusz for technical drawing, graphics, printing; atrament for writing with a fountain pen or rollerball pen

• Transparency – tusz covers the surface; atrament is more transparent

In colloquial language, both words are sometimes used interchangeably, and manufacturers do not always use these names consistently—hence the confusion.

In summary, you can use atrament in both a fountain pen and a glass pen, but you need to be careful with tusz. It can clog the nib in a fountain pen, which is why tusz is only recommended for glass pens, dip pens, i.e., instruments that are easy to clean.

What is important when buying ink for fountain pens?

Atrament (dye-based ink), often mistakenly called tusz (but we've already clarified that), is part of our daily lives, though we often don't notice it. For centuries, it has been a fundamental tool for writing, drawing, and printing. Its applications are truly diverse. Modern inks are not just writing tools, but also important elements in art, technology, and science. Anyone who has ever faced the choice knows how difficult it is to pick the ideal ink. The choice of ink colors is not the only thing we should pay attention to.

What do we pay attention to when choosing fountain pen inks for our offer?

• flow - this is one of the most essential features of high-quality inks. It cannot be too thin, but also not too thick so as not to clog the fountain pen, especially with fine nibs. Some of the thinnest inks, therefore recommended for the finest nibs, are J. Herbin, Lamy, Pelikan 4001.

• packaging - here it is worth paying attention to the bottle, whether the neck of the bottle is wide enough and refilling will be easy. Another important aspect is whether the ink is in a glass or plastic bottle; we definitely recommend glass inkwells with a tight cap.

• capacity - in our offer you will find various ink capacities, both very small like 5ml - for those who want to test a wide range of colors, as well as large inks in glass bottles of up to 75ml. The range of inks is vast, and it is worth trying a smaller capacity first before deciding on a large bottle.

• colors - people who write with pens are increasingly paying attention to the wide range of ink colors. Manufacturers compete with ideas, creating an endless number of ink shades. For us, color intensity is also important, which is why when choosing inks available at Escribo, the joy doesn't end with nice packaging. For example, by purchasing inks from Graf von Faber - Castell, you receive a 25-year warranty on the color!

At Escribo, you will find a wide selection of high-quality inks; no matter which one you choose, we guarantee its quality because we have tested them ourselves. However, each of them has its unique properties that make it suitable for specific tasks and affect writing quality.

Specialty inks: Iron-gall, Scented, or perhaps with glitter?

Among specialty inks, you will find those that offer unique properties and applications:

• Scented ink: Adds a sensual dimension to writing, leaving a delicate scent on the paper. At Escribo, you will find scented inks from the French brand J.Herbin and Sheaffer.

• Permanent ink: most often used for signing important documents, e.g., at a notary, where the choice of appropriate ink is important so that the signature lasts for many generations. This so-called eternal ink, which is resistant to light and water, is demanding for pens. Leaving it for too long can cause the nib to clog. Among permanent inks, you will find so-called iron-gall inks from brands such as Platinum, Polish ink KWZ Ink - but you should be careful with them, as they can irreversibly damage a fountain pen.

• Shimmer ink: increasingly popular in recent years, these fountain pen inks contain microscopic, metallic particles - in various colors - dispersed in a liquid ink base. This makes the writing reflect light and have a delicate shimmering or metallic effect. They are recommended for fountain pens with slightly thicker nibs to avoid clogging. Due to the particles, the fountain pen requires more frequent cleaning. The largest selection of shimmer inks is offered by brands like Ferris Wheel Press, Wearingeul and Colorverse.

How to choose the ideal ink for your pen?

Choosing the right ink for a fountain pen is quite a challenge, especially for beginners in fountain pen writing. It is crucial to understand what characteristics the ideal ink should have to ensure smooth writing and protection of the pen's delicate mechanisms. First and foremost, it is worth paying attention to the ink's composition. Water-based inks are most often recommended for fountain pens, as their formula minimizes the risk of clogging. Additionally, when choosing an ink, it is worth considering its color and intensity, which can give a personal touch to any document.

No less important is the ink brand. Reputable manufacturers offer a wide range of colors and properties that can meet the diverse needs of users. Fountain pen manufacturers such as Kaweco, Lamy, Pelikan recommend that beginners choose original inks from their brands for their fountain pens, as these have been tested for specific fountain pen components and will always be an excellent choice. You don't have to be afraid of high-quality inks, even if they are not from a specific pen brand. Companies such as Colorverse, Wearingeul, or Teranishi specialize in ink production, and user reviews attest to the high quality of their products. The choice of colors is huge, and they will be suitable for various types of fountain pens.

As you can see, there is a wide range of inks available today, and although I believe everyone should have at least one black ink at home, it is definitely worth trying other available ink colors.

How to store ink?

I suppose it's no surprise when I say that buying ink in a glass bottle also means it's the best place to store it. You should definitely not store ink inside a pen if you know you won't be using it for some time. This is because ink oxidizes, and dye components can settle on the feed and nib, effectively clogging it.

Ink Storage: Inkwells and other accessories

Storing ink is as important as choosing it, because proper conditions can significantly affect its durability and quality. When you buy high-quality ink in a glass bottle, you don't have to worry about finding a suitable inkwell; our ink will be tightly sealed and safely waiting for its next use. It is worth storing inks away from light and high temperatures.

A converter or piston filler (the terms are used interchangeably): if your fountain pen doesn't have a built-in piston filler like the iconic TWSBI fountain pens or a piston system like Esterbrook pens, or if a piston filler isn't included in the set (many companies do include them), you can usually buy one to make refilling your fountain pen with ink possible. A piston filler can cost from a few to several zlotys depending on the fountain pen brand, and that's the only thing stopping you from using a wide range of ink colors.

In addition to ink, it's also worth stocking up on fountain pen cleaning supplies. At Escribo, you'll find special cleaning fluids for fountain pens, both in J. Herbin cartridges and in larger capacities, e.g., Tom's Studio, Colorverse or Wearingeul. Even if you constantly use one favorite ink color, you should still clean it from time to time to prevent dried dye particles from accumulating and ensure your pen lasts longer. Customers often come to Escribo with old fountain pens that have stopped writing, and the simplest cleaning turns out to be the solution.

Remember that regular cleaning is recommended, because even the best fountain pens can get clogged!

But that's a story for a completely different post!