How to Use Indian Drawing Inks: A Beginner’s Guide

Beginner's Guide

How to use
Indian Drawing Inks.


Jackman's Indian Drawing Inks are premium-quality, artist-grade inks made with finely milled pigments suspended in a high-performance shellac solution. These inks are fast-drying, water-resistant, and lightfast — perfect for a wide range of artistic applications including illustration, calligraphy, and design.

What You'll Need

  • Jackman's Indian Drawing Inks — available in a wide variety of professional colours.
  • Application Tools — brushes, dip pens, or airbrushes.
  • Paper — smooth, heavyweight paper or illustration board.
  • Distilled Water — for dilution and cleaning. Available here.
  • Palette or Mixing Dish — for colour blending.
  • Protective Gear — gloves and apron to prevent staining.

Application Techniques

1. Brush Application

  • Dip your brush directly into the ink and apply to paper.
  • For lighter tones or washes, dilute the ink with distilled water.

2. Dip Pen Drawing

  • Load your dip pen nib with ink and apply varying pressure for different line weights.
  • Ideal for intricate illustrations and fine line work.

3. Airbrush Use

  • Dilute ink to a suitable consistency for your airbrush.
  • Test spray on scrap paper before applying to final work.
  • Ensure proper ventilation while using an airbrush.

Mixing & Dilution

  • Mix Colours — combine different inks to create custom shades.
  • Control Transparency — use distilled water to achieve desired translucency and flow.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Brushes and Dip Pens — rinse thoroughly with water immediately after use to avoid clogging.
  • Airbrush Equipment — follow the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines for optimal performance.

Important Tips

  • Do Not Use in Fountain Pens — shellac-based inks can clog fine nibs.
  • Test First — always test the ink on scrap paper to see how it behaves.
  • Store Properly — keep ink bottles sealed tightly and store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.