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.