The Ultimate Guide to Shimmer Inks: Top Brands and How to Use Them Without Clogging
Discover the best shimmer fountain pen inks from top brands like Diamine, J. Herbin, and Robert Oster. Learn expert tips for using shimmer inks without clogging your fountain pen, plus maintenance and paper recommendations.
What Makes Shimmer Inks Special
Shimmer inks are the jewelry of the fountain pen world — they contain tiny metallic particles that create a gorgeous sparkle as light hits the dried ink. Unlike regular fountain pen inks, these magical formulations add visual depth and personality to your writing. The best fountain pen ink for shimmer combines vibrant base colors with carefully sized particles that flow smoothly without clogging your pen.
The shimmer effect comes from mica flakes or similar materials suspended in the ink. When you write, these particles settle into the paper fibers and catch light at different angles, creating that coveted sparkle. However, this same feature that makes shimmer inks beautiful also makes them trickier to use than standard inks. According to Mountain of Ink's comprehensive shimmer ink guide, understanding these characteristics is key to getting the best results.
Top Shimmer Ink Brands and Standout Colors
Diamine Shimmer Collection
Diamine leads the shimmer ink game with their extensive collection of 40+ shimmer inks. These British-made inks strike an excellent balance between shimmer intensity and fountain pen friendliness. As detailed in The Pen Addict's comprehensive Diamine review, these inks perform well across different nib sizes while maintaining excellent flow properties.
- Purple Pazzazz — A rich purple base with gold shimmer that's perfect for special occasions
- Blue Pearl — Classic blue-black with silver shimmer, ideal for professional use
- Bloody Brexit — Deep red with gold particles that creates stunning contrast
Goulet Pens' comprehensive guide features several Diamine shimmer inks among their top recommendations, particularly highlighting Diamine Shimmering Seas and Diamine Night Sky for their exceptional shimmer characteristics.
J. Herbin 1670 Anniversary Collection
The French ink maker's anniversary series features some of the most beloved shimmer inks in the community. These inks tend to have more subtle shimmer but exceptional base color saturation. The Fountain Pen Network community consistently identifies J.Herbin Émeraude de Chivor as the must-have shimmer ink that every enthusiast should experience.
- Emerald of Chivor — The holy grail of shimmer inks with teal base, red sheen, and gold shimmer
- Stormy Grey — Sophisticated grey with gold particles, perfect for business writing
- Rouge Hematite — Rich burgundy with gold shimmer that photographs beautifully
Robert Oster Shimmer Range
This Australian brand creates unique shimmer combinations with excellent flow properties. Their inks often feature unexpected color pairings that work brilliantly. Goulet Pens' top shimmer inks guide highlights Robert Oster Violet Clouds as one of their standout recommendations for its exceptional shimmer performance.
- Fire Engine — Vibrant red with silver shimmer for maximum impact
- Australian Opal — Turquoise base with multi-colored shimmer particles
How to Use Shimmer Inks Without Clogging
Choose the Right Pen
Not all fountain pens handle shimmer inks equally well. Mountain of Ink recommends TWSBI and Lamy Al-star pens for their excellent performance with shimmer inks. For the best experience with the best fountain pen ink for shimmer:
- Wet writers like Pilot Metropolitan or TWSBI Eco work best
- Broader nibs (medium or broad) allow shimmer particles to flow more freely
- Pens with easy cleaning access like demonstrators or cartridge/converter pens
Avoid vintage pens, expensive limited editions, or pens with particularly fine or dry nibs for shimmer ink use.
Proper Ink Preparation
Before filling your pen, always shake the ink bottle gently to distribute the shimmer particles evenly. The particles naturally settle to the bottom, so this step is crucial for consistent shimmer throughout your writing session.
When filling your pen, use the agitator balls or mixing rod that comes with many shimmer inks. If your bottle doesn't have one, a clean plastic stir stick works perfectly.
Writing Techniques for Maximum Shimmer
To get the most sparkle from your shimmer inks:
- Write on smooth, high-quality paper like Rhodia or Clairefontaine
- Use slower, more deliberate strokes to allow particles to deposit properly
- Angle your writing surface toward a light source when possible
- Consider cross-hatching or shading techniques to build up shimmer density
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Regular Maintenance
Shimmer inks require more attention than regular inks, but proper care prevents clogs. The Gentleman Stationer's shimmer ink guide emphasizes that modern shimmer ink formulations have improved significantly, making maintenance easier than ever:
- Use your shimmer ink regularly — don't let it sit in the pen for weeks
- Store the pen nib-up when not in use to prevent particle settling in the feed
- Gently roll the pen between your hands before writing to redistribute particles
Deep Cleaning Process
When it's time to clean your pen after using shimmer ink:
- Flush with cool water until it runs clear
- Use a pen flush solution or diluted dish soap for stubborn particles
- For severe clogs, try an ultrasonic cleaner with water only
- Never use hot water, which can damage pen components
- Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling
Paper Recommendations for Shimmer Inks
The right paper makes all the difference with shimmer inks. Smooth, coated papers show shimmer best, while textured or absorbent papers can trap particles and reduce sparkle. Top choices include:
- Tomoe River paper — The gold standard for shimmer and sheen
- Rhodia notebooks — Excellent shimmer display with good ink absorption
- Clairefontaine — Smooth finish that enhances particle visibility
Budget-Friendly Shimmer Options
You don't need to break the bank to enjoy beautiful shimmer inks. Diamine shimmer inks offer excellent value, typically costing $15-20 for 50ml bottles. Goldspot's curated shimmer ink collection features high-quality options for collectors and enthusiasts at various price points. For those wanting to try multiple colors affordably, consider sample vials from specialty retailers.
Ready to explore more fountain pen ink options? Check out our complete shimmer inks guide or use our color matching tool to find your perfect shimmer shade. Whether you're new to fountain pens or a seasoned enthusiast, shimmer inks add magic to every word you write.