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What is Archival Ink?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Archival ink is an ink which is designed to resist fading and weathering so that it will endure for future enjoyment. As a general rule, this type of ink works best with specially designed archival paper, so that the paper will endure as well. Many art supply companies sell archival ink or ink pens, and some companies also make cartridges for printers. Many digital photographers use these cartridges to produce their professional-grade prints.

In order to successfully endure over time, an ink must have two main properties. Perhaps the most important is the ability to resist fading. Over time, many inks start to slowly fade away, first turning brown and later almost disappearing altogether. An archival ink must also remain fast to the page, ideally, so that exposure to moisture will not cause the ink to run. These abilities are altered by the chemical composition of the ink, with the best inks being relatively pH neutral or slightly alkaline so that they do not interact with our mildly acidic environment.

Archival ink is designed to resist fading and weathering so that it will last through time.
Archival ink is designed to resist fading and weathering so that it will last through time.

Many companies make archival inks which are actually dyes. These dyes are designed to change the color of the material they are applied to permanently. In most cases, these dyes will also hold once they are dry. Dyes tend to remain colorfast only so long, however, depending on the materials used to make the dye. For this reason, pigments are growing increasingly popular for archival ink. Pigment is permanently colorfast, bright, and durable, making it an ideal choice for archival material.

Many photographers use special printer cartridges that contain archival ink to print their pictures.
Many photographers use special printer cartridges that contain archival ink to print their pictures.

Archival dye inks tend to be cheaper, because their base materials are less expensive. Some of these dyes are quite strong and suitable for the needs of most people; they may last, for example, for several generations. Pigment-based versions will be substantially more expensive, but it also confers a greater sense of permanence. Official government documents may be produced with pigmented inks to ensure that they are still readable by future generations.

Pigment ink -- often used for archiving -- is typically resistant to fading, smearing and running once dry.
Pigment ink -- often used for archiving -- is typically resistant to fading, smearing and running once dry.

Many art supply stores carry a range of archival ink pens made by an assortment of companies. The packaging on these pens usually indicates whether they are made with dye or pigment. Some high-end pens will clog with minimal use; only buy such pens when you need them, and try to use them within six months. Archival ink for printers can be purchased from specialty purveyors. Of course, the most enduring writing instrument is actually a pencil; graphite marks can endure for centuries under the right conditions.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

violet3

Can archival ink pads be used on fabric?

animegal

If you are an artist that likes to make comics or draw animation I would recommend picking up a set of archival pens. These pens have high quality ink, and the fact that they don't fade over time is great for your art.

Archival pens come in a wide variety of ink colors, which means you can do all of your inking with them as well.

If you are curious about manga, archival ink pens are the standard when it comes to making professional comics. I have a full set of these pens, and while they were pricey for so many, the quality of the work that comes out of them is impressive.

wander

If you are serious about keeping a record of your life investing in a journal that has high quality paper and purchasing some pens with archival ink in them can be a great idea.

I have found that these pens are not too expensive when you consider how long you will be keeping the work for. Some archival pens only cost around three to four dollars each and often you can find them on sale.

Many arts and crafts, as well as stationary stores sell these pens. Make sure you test them before buying though, as most have a shelf life of about a year.

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    • Archival ink is designed to resist fading and weathering so that it will last through time.
      By: JeremyWhat
      Archival ink is designed to resist fading and weathering so that it will last through time.
    • Many photographers use special printer cartridges that contain archival ink to print their pictures.
      By: Anna Khomulo
      Many photographers use special printer cartridges that contain archival ink to print their pictures.
    • Pigment ink -- often used for archiving -- is typically resistant to fading, smearing and running once dry.
      By: Eleonora.Rossi
      Pigment ink -- often used for archiving -- is typically resistant to fading, smearing and running once dry.