Shimmer inks — how they work and what they require.
Shimmertastic inks contain metallic mica particles suspended in the dye ink base. As the ink dries on the page the particles settle at the surface, reflecting light at different angles to create a visible sparkle. The effect is most pronounced on smooth papers under directional light. Unlike sheen inks (where the secondary colour is a property of the dye chemistry), shimmer is always visible and requires more active maintenance — the particles settle in pens over time and need regular agitation and flushing.
The Four Colours, and Who They're For
Enchanted Ocean — A dark, moody blue with silver shimmer and a subtle red sheen in heavier ink coverage. Described by one long-term user as ready to become "a staple ink," this is the collector's choice — sophisticated rather than playful, suited to fountain pen enthusiasts who want a serious shimmer ink rather than a novelty one.
Brandy Dazzle — A warm brown with gold shimmer, giving fountain pen enthusiasts a genuinely different colour family alongside Enchanted Ocean's cool blue, rather than two shades of the same tone.
Lilac Satin — A soft, gentle lavender-purple with silver shimmer, widely praised as an easy, approachable shimmer ink. One reviewer called it a "pillowy soft, lavender caress" — exactly the whimsical, mood-driven character that suits journal pages over serious writing.
Magical Forest — An emerald green with silver shimmer and a soft pink sheen in heavier coverage. Evocative and scene-setting rather than purely functional — one reviewer compared it to a dewy field at sunrise — which suits art journallers building a page around a mood or memory.
Honest Note:
Who is it For?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
Are shimmer inks safe in all fountain pens?
Safe in most fountain pens but require more active maintenance than standard inks. Avoid pens with very narrow feed channels. Agitate gently before use, flush every one to two weeks. Do not leave shimmer ink sitting unused in a pen for extended periods.
Can I use shimmer inks in a fine nib?
With caution — finer nibs have narrower channels and the particles are more likely to cause reduced flow over time. Medium or broader nibs are more reliable for shimmer inks.
How is shimmer different from sheen?
Sheen is a property of the dye chemistry — a secondary colour visible at specific angles in pooled ink. Shimmer is physical metallic particles in the ink — always visible as sparkle on the dry page. They are different effects and require different papers to show at their best.