Materials Guide
Ink Chemistry
Preserving the stroke.
Not all inks are created equal. The medium dictates the longevity.
The Hierarchy of Inks
- India Ink / Archival Fountain Pen: The gold standard. Pigment-based, highly resistant to UV fading.
- Standard Ballpoint: Oil-based paste. Extremely durable, but can bleed over decades depending on the paper acidity.
- Sharpie / Felt Tip (Dye-based): The modern standard, but highly susceptible to UV degradation. Will turn yellow/brown and eventually vanish if exposed to direct sunlight.
To calculate potential damage, use our Ink Fade Calculator.