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Best Noodler's Inks for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best Noodler’s inks for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: July 3rd, 2024

Last Updated: August 4th, 2024

🖋️Noodler's Ink has become a favorite among fountain pen enthusiasts, offering a wide array of colors and unique formulations that perform superbly. Whether you're jotting down notes, creating art, or need something archival-worthy, Noodler's likely has an ink for you. We've looked into a bunch of sources and feedback to put together this guide, spotlighting the best Noodler's inks for 2024. Here are our top picks.

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Overall Best: Noodler’s Black

Noodler's Ink Fountain Pen Bottled Ink w/Eyedropper, 4.5 oz. - Black

Noodler's Black is our top pick thanks to its exceptional versatility and reliability. This ink is Noodler's flagship product and is renowned for its permanence, darkness, and excellent behavior on typical copy paper. It's an excellent choice for various applications, from writing medical charts to solving daily crossword puzzles. Its bulletproof formulation makes it resistant to water, UV light, and other solvents, ensuring your writings remain intact and legible over time. If you're looking for an all-purpose, dependable ink, Noodler's Black is your best bet.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$20.50 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Noodler's Black Ink 4.5 oz.? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is Noodler's Black ink safe to use in all fountain pens?

Noodler's Black Ink is really popular among fountain pen fans because of its great quality and performance. From what we've looked into, this ink gives a deep black color that even works well with fine and extra-fine nibs. It's said to have "archival quality," meaning it should be somewhat water-resistant and permanent. But keep in mind, those features can change depending on what kind of paper you're using and how long you let it dry. A lot of folks like that this ink works reliably across different types of paper, with minimal feathering and bleed-through, even on standard sheets. It's got a smooth flow that makes it nice for everyday writing, though it does take a bit longer to dry. You might want to be careful right after writing, as you could smudge it if you're not patient. The ink comes in a bottle with an eyedropper, which can be handy if you're using pens that work with an eyedropper. Some people suggest transferring it into another easier-to-use bottle for pen refills, as the original bottle can be a bit tricky. Although there's one mention of its permanence being an issue, it's mostly described as "bulletproof," meaning it stands up well to water after it's had time to dry on the right paper. Just remember, the water resistance can vary based on conditions and usage. So, is it safe for all fountain pens? Generally, yes. Its smooth flow and other properties make it compatible with many pens. But it's always a good idea to try it out in a less expensive or more frequently used pen first, just in case. Some inks can be more acidic or thicker and might not suit certain pens well. Overall though, with regular use and cleaning, Noodler's Black Ink should be fine for your fountain pen. Just remember to clean your pens regularly and store the ink properly to keep it in good shape, which will help protect your pens in the long run.

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How long does Noodler's Black ink take to dry?

Noodler's Black Fountain Pen Ink usually takes about 20 to 30 seconds to dry on regular paper, but that can change depending on a few things. The kind of paper you're using, how much ink you're laying down, and even the environment—like humidity and temperature—can all make a difference. If you're using really nice, smooth paper, the ink might take a little longer to dry, maybe closer to 30 seconds or even a bit more. Our research shows it's well-liked for its deep black color and smooth flow, even on less expensive paper. Plus, it's often called 'bulletproof,' meaning it's got some water-resistant qualities, which is great if you're worried about the occasional spill working its way onto your notes. Do remember, the extent of its water resistance can differ depending on the paper and how long you let it dry before it gets wet. It's not completely waterproof in every case, so if complete water resistance is super important to you, you might want to check out some waterproof inks or test it out with your typical paper first. In all, Noodler's Black Ink is a great option for everyday writing, as long as the drying time and water-resistant features fit your needs.

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How waterproof is Noodler's Black fountain pen ink?

So, if you're wondering about how waterproof Noodler's Black fountain pen ink is, it generally holds up quite well. According to the manufacturer, it's of 'archival quality,' which means it's made to endure, even if things get a bit wet. Our research shows that many folks describe it as 'bulletproof.' This doesn't mean it's literally indestructible, but the ink tends to stay legible even after getting wet, which is great if you're worried about spills or moisture affecting your notes. Most people seem to agree with these claims. While it might spread or blur a little when wet, it usually remains readable, making it pretty reliable for important documents or everyday writing. But, there are some things to keep in mind. Some people have noticed that the water resistance can depend on the paper and how long you let the ink dry before it gets wet. So, while Noodler's Black Ink is generally a safe bet for resisting water, if you need total waterproof assurance, you might want to test it on your usual paper and see how it holds up after different drying times. Overall, Noodler's Black is pretty solid when it comes to water resistance for everyday use, but testing it out yourself can help you be sure it's right for your needs.

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Runner-up: Noodler’s Upper Ganges Blue

Noodlers Ink Upper Ganges Blue 3 Oz Bottled Ink

Noodler’s Upper Ganges Blue is an outstanding alternative, distinguished by its deep medium blue hue and impressive waterproof properties. This ink combats not only water but also alcohol, UV light, and bleach, making it a robust option for those seeking long-lasting, vibrant ink. Handmade and bottled in glass, each 90ml batch exemplifies quality and durability. It's perfect for users who need a reliable, enduring ink capable of standing up to various environmental factors.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$27.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Noodler’s Borealis Black

Noodler's Ink Refills Borealis Black 3oz Bottled Ink - ND-19051

Noodler’s Borealis Black offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. Drawing inspiration from the black inks of the 1950s, Borealis Black delivers a deep, intense color. While not fully waterproof, it excels in resisting solvents like laser and alcohol, making it a secure choice for important documents. Though it may smear slightly when wet, its affordability and overall performance make it an excellent choice for those mindful of their budget.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$17.00 at Amazon

Best for Left-Handed Writers: Noodler’s Brevity Black

For left-handed writers, Noodler’s Brevity Black is an ideal choice, thanks to its near-instant drying time on standard copy paper. This fast-drying ink effectively prevents smudging, a common issue for left-handers using slower-drying inks. Brevity Black ensures your writing stays neat and clean, improving your writing experience and reducing the frustration of smeared ink.

Available at Amazon

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Best for Smooth Paper: Noodler’s Heart of Darkness

Noodler’s Heart of Darkness is perfect for those who frequently write on smooth, less absorbent paper. Aptly named for its incredibly dark color and slightly glossy finish, this ink dries quickly, reducing the risk of smudging. This feature is crucial for smooth paper, where ink can often take longer to dry. Heart of Darkness enhances the aesthetic of fountain pen writing, especially on high-quality, smooth surfaces.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$25.50 at Amazon

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