zaro

In What Way Do Painting Inks Differ From Drawing Inks?

Published in Art Supplies 1 min read

Painting inks differ from drawing inks primarily in their core composition: painting inks are made from pigment, while drawing inks are made from dye.

According to the provided information, while both drawing inks and painting inks are often thin and quick-drying, the key distinction lies in the substance used to create their color.

Key Difference in Composition

The fundamental difference highlighted is the colorant used:

  • Drawing Inks: These inks are made from dye. Dyes are typically liquid colorants that are dissolved in a solvent.
  • Painting Inks: These inks are made from pigment. Pigments are solid particles of color that are suspended in a liquid medium.

Resulting Properties

This difference in composition leads to varying characteristics in how the inks behave and appear:

  • Vibrancy: Because drawing inks are dye-based, their colors are often described as being more vibrant.
  • Smudging: A drawback of using dye-based drawing inks is that they are more easily smudged compared to pigment-based painting inks. Pigment particles tend to be more stable once dry.

In essence, the material used for color determines key properties like vibrancy and permanence (resistance to smudging).