Overview
DIY inks and pigments let you craft custom colours from natural and synthetic materials. These can be used for calligraphy, painting, textile dyeing, and mixed media art.
Common Pigment Sources
| Source Type |
Examples |
Colour Range |
Notes |
| Plant-based |
Indigo, turmeric, beetroot, walnut |
Blues, yellows, reds, browns |
Often need mordants or fixatives |
| Mineral-based |
Ochre, charcoal, malachite |
Earth tones, black, green |
Ground finely before use |
| Animal-based |
Cochineal (insect dye), sepia |
Reds, browns |
Ethical sourcing considerations |
| Synthetic |
Food colouring, commercial pigments |
Wide spectrum |
Convenient, consistent colours |
| Kitchen Waste |
Onion skins, coffee grounds |
Yellows, browns |
Upcycling potential |
Basic Ink Recipes
| Ink Type |
Ingredients |
Method Summary |
Use |
| Iron Gall Ink |
Oak galls, iron sulfate, gum arabic |
Soak galls, mix with iron sulfate |
Traditional calligraphy ink |
| Walnut Ink |
Walnut hulls, water |
Boil hulls, strain liquid |
Rich brown ink, easy DIY |
| Plant Dye Ink |
Plant material, water, gum arabic |
Boil plants, add gum for body |
Soft watercolour or dye inks |
| Charcoal Ink |
Charcoal powder, water, gum arabic |
Mix finely ground charcoal |
Deep black ink, opaque |
| Food Colouring Ink |
Food dye, water, binder (glycerin) |
Mix well |
Safe, vibrant, good for kids |
| Tool / Supply |
Use |
Notes |
| Mortar & Pestle |
Grinding pigment powders |
Finer pigments mix better |
| Fine Mesh Strainer |
Removing solids from liquid inks |
Produces smooth ink |
| Glass Jars |
Storage and mixing |
Airtight containers preferred |
| Brushes & Dip Pens |
Applying ink |
Test different tips for effect |
| Gum Arabic |
Binder for pigment suspensions |
Thickens and improves flow |
| Distilled Water |
Mixing and diluting |
Avoids contaminants |
| Measuring Spoons |
Accurate ingredient ratios |
Consistency in recipes |
Colour Mixing Basics
| Primary Colours |
Secondary Colours Formed |
Tips |
| Red + Yellow |
Orange |
Start with small amounts |
| Yellow + Blue |
Green |
Use natural pigments for variation |
| Blue + Red |
Purple |
Adjust ratios for brightness |
| Mixing Neutrals |
Browns and Grays |
Blend complementary colours |
Safety Guidelines
| Practice |
Reason |
| Wear gloves |
Some pigments can irritate skin |
| Work in ventilated area |
Avoid inhaling pigment dust |
| Avoid ingestion |
Many pigments are toxic if swallowed |
| Label jars clearly |
Prevent accidental misuse |
| Store pigments dry |
Prevent mold and contamination |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
| Ink too thin |
Too much water |
Add more gum arabic or pigment |
| Ink clumps or sediments |
Poor grinding or settling |
Stir or strain ink before use |
| Colours fade quickly |
No fixative used |
Add mordant or UV-protective spray |
| Ink smudges when dry |
Insufficient drying time or binder |
Allow longer drying or add binder |
Beginner Project Ideas
| Project |
Recommended Ink Type |
Tips |
| Calligraphy Practice |
Walnut or iron gall ink |
Use smooth paper and steady strokes |
| Botanical Watercolour |
Plant dye inks |
Layer colours for depth |
| Stamp Inks |
Charcoal or synthetic ink |
Test on scrap material first |
| Fabric Dyeing |
Natural plant pigments |
Use mordant for colourfastness |
| Ink Journaling |
Food colouring ink |
Non-toxic, kid-friendly |
FAQ
Can I make ink without gum arabic?
Yes, but ink may be less smooth and durable.
How long do homemade inks last?
Store in airtight containers; many last months to years if kept cool and dark.
Are natural pigments safe?
Most are safe with gloves, but some (like ochre or malachite) contain heavy metals—handle carefully.
Can I use these inks for printing?
Depends on viscosity; charcoal and thick inks work best for stamping.