How to Use Ink

Ink can be divided into two types depending on how it’s made: oil soot ink (made from plant oils) and pine soot ink (made from pine).

You grind solid ink sticks on an inkstone with water to turn them into liquid.

Grinding takes quite a bit of time and effort, so unless you’re really particular about your ink, most people nowadays just buy bottled liquid ink.

There are actually specialized machines for grinding solid ink sticks. They’re (aptly) called “automatic ink grinding machines.” However, unless you’re a serious expert, they’re not really necessary. It’s pretty rare for someone to have one of these expensive machines at home.

How to Use Bottled Ink: Two Simple but Important Tips

When using bottled ink, make sure you give it a good shake before pouring it into your inkstone or dish (and make sure the bottle cap is tightly closed when you do!). Then pour it into your inkstone.

Another important tip: try not to mix liquid inks from different manufacturers, or even different product lines from the same manufacturer. These are all made using different methods and chemical ingredients, which can cause problems like poor mixing or discoloration. It won’t completely ruin your work, but the ink color might not turn out as nice.

The ink you’re using will start to dry out after a while, so be sure to cover your inkstone, dish, and brush with plastic wrap (or something similar) even during short breaks.

That way, you can pick up right where you left off when you return.

Ink isn’t environmentally friendly, so try not to make or pour out too much at once, and avoid pouring leftover liquid ink straight down the drain. Instead, wipe it up with scrap paper or practice sheets before washing your materials.