If you’re solving a crossword puzzle, it’s best to use a pencil. That way, if you make a mistake, you can erase it.
If you use a pen with ink that cannot be erased, you’ll be stuck with your answers, whether they’re correct or not!
Most people are familiar with liquid ink found in pens. If you have experience with computer printers, you also know about liquid ink in cartridges. There are even thick, pasty inks that professional printers use for artwork and posters.
Essentially, ink is a liquid or paste made of pigments or dyes used to color a surface and create printed words or pictures. Modern inks are often complex combinations of various chemicals, including solvents, pigments, dyes, resins, and other materials.
Ink has been in existence for centuries. The inventor of ink remains unknown. Experts believe that many ancient cultures may have independently developed inks as they learned to write and draw.
For instance, Chinese inks can be traced back to the 18th century B.C. The ancient Chinese who first made ink used plant, animal, and mineral matter mixed with water to create different types of ink.
An ancient ink that is still used today for various art projects is India ink. It has been used in ancient India since the 4th century B.C. India ink, known as masi, was made of tar, pitch, or burnt bones.
Today, India ink is made with fine soot called “lampblack,” water, and a binding agent like gelatin or shellac.
If you’ve ever accidentally gotten permanent ink on something it wasn’t supposed to be on, like your shirt for example, you may wonder why permanent ink is even produced. Shouldn’t we stick with pencil or erasable ink?
Not necessarily! There are many good uses for permanent ink.
For instance, there are numerous documents, such as legal documents, that we want to last forever. Consider the U.S. Constitution. You wouldn’t want such an important document to be erasable, would you? Artists who use ink also want their art to withstand the test of time.
Permanent ink lasts a long time, which makes it ideal for important documents and works of art. Unlike pencil or erasable ink, permanent ink absorbs into the paper it is used on.
The pigments and dyes in ink are usually dissolved in water and glycol. When these substances evaporate, the pigments and dyes seep into the paper, leaving a lasting mark, if not forever.
Of course, permanent ink sometimes ends up on unintended surfaces like clothes or skin. In such cases, you can often remove permanent ink with specialized cleaners.
For example, high-pressure cleaning, paint-thinning solvents, or nail polish remover can often remove permanent ink.
Even if these special chemicals don’t completely remove the permanent ink, they often diminish its visibility. With time, the permanent ink may fade away completely.
And if you accidentally write on your teacher’s whiteboard with a permanent marker? Don’t worry! You can usually remove permanent marker from a whiteboard by drawing over it with a dry erase marker.
Why does this method work? The reason is that dry erase markers contain acetone, which is a chemical commonly used as a paint thinner!
Give it a try
Are you ready to explore and experiment with ink? As you may already be aware, ink is a versatile medium that can be used for various exciting projects.
Gather your art supplies and get ready to unleash your creativity with these engaging activities:
Once you’re done, we would love to see what you have created! Feel free to email us a picture of your unique ink project!
Were you aware that black ink (the type that can be erased) is actually composed of multiple colors? Test out this enjoyable experiment to discover which colors combine to create black ink!
- Ink blot art — using food coloring!
- Ink elephant art lesson
- Thumbprint art
- Exploring inks, dyes, and colors
FAQ
1. What is the main ingredient in permanent ink?
The main ingredient in permanent ink is pigment. Pigments are finely ground particles that give ink its color. They are typically made from synthetic materials or natural substances such as minerals or plants.
2. How does permanent ink stick to surfaces?
Permanent ink contains a binder, which is a substance that helps the pigment adhere to surfaces. The binder forms a strong bond with the surface, allowing the ink to stick and resist fading or smudging over time.
3. Can permanent ink be removed?
While permanent ink is designed to be long-lasting, it is not completely permanent and can be removed to some extent. However, removing permanent ink can be challenging and may require the use of specialized solvents or techniques depending on the surface it is on.
4. What surfaces can permanent ink be used on?
Permanent ink can be used on a variety of surfaces including paper, cardboard, fabric, metal, glass, and plastic. It is important to note that some surfaces may require specific types of permanent ink formulated for optimal adhesion and durability.
5. Does permanent ink fade over time?
Permanent ink is designed to resist fading over time, but it may still fade to some degree depending on factors such as exposure to sunlight, moisture, or chemicals. However, compared to other types of ink, permanent ink generally maintains its color and intensity for a longer period.
6. Are there any health risks associated with permanent ink?
Permanent ink typically contains chemicals that may pose health risks if ingested, inhaled, or applied to the skin in large amounts. It is important to use permanent ink in a well-ventilated area, avoid direct contact with the skin, and keep it out of reach of children. It is also advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when handling permanent ink.
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