Best Drawing Inks for Calligraphy (2026)
We ranked inks by waterproofness/permanence, pigment quality and color range, user ratings, and overall value across set sizes and formulations
The Verdict
- Best Overall: Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Ink Set (12 x 0.5 oz) — Ink set with 12 vibrant India inks in 0.5 oz bottles, designed for waterproof, lightfast results when dry.
This roundup evaluates drawing inks suited for calligraphy, comparing waterproof properties, pigment quality, and suitability with dip pens and brushes. Picks were chosen for their color range, permanence, and overall value using product specs and user rating data
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Ink Set (12 x 0.5 oz)
Ink set with 12 vibrant India inks in 0.5 oz bottles, designed for waterproof, lightfast results when dry. Customers note strong pigment quality and value for money, with easy use on watercolor paper
- set of 12 colors
- 0.5 oz bottles with flat caps
- vibrant, pigmented inks
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2
Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Ink Set 1, 12 bottles
Set of 12 1.0 oz glass India inks with droppers and mixing palette. Vibrant, lightfast and waterproof when dry. Customers note quick drying and lasting color with some bottle leakage reports
- set of 12 vibrant inks
- glass bottles with droppers
- included mixing palette
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3
Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay India Ink Set (12 bottles, 1 oz each)
A set of 12 1.0 oz glass ink bottles with droppers and a mixing palette for vibrant India inks. Ideal for calligraphy, watercolor, and mixed-media; noted for color variety and smooth application
- set of 12 vibrant india inks
- glassy bottles with droppers
- lightfast and waterproof when dry