In keeping with Wet Paint owner Beth Bergman’s editorial of last issue, in which she affirmed the store’s commitment to independent manufacturer’s that make a quality product, let’s take a quick look at a couple of recent additions from two small companies in Kansas City that make great calligraphic inks.

The newest ink at Wet Paint is the well-known Ziller Ink, made by Ziller of Kansas City. Richard and Vivian Mungall have continued the traditions of this thriving company, its history stretching back to the 1800s.

Their ink is more versatile than your standard ink: superfine organic pigments, pH balancing and acrylic co-polymer formulas blend together to make a medium that gives the lettering artist a waterproof and lightfast creation. It can be used in broad pens, pointed pens, ruling pens, and brushes. It can be diluted down or thickened up (Ziller also offers a thickening medium) and used for marbling or even in the Pilot Parallel pens we carry. Ziller’s Glossy Black has proven so popular, we now carry it in 16oz. bottles. Also check out the series of historic penmanship books from Ziller. These fascinating books from the late-1800s have been lovingly restored. The information today is as relevant to the modern calligrapher as when it was written. And non-calligraphers just improve their penmanship!

Another ink that is proving popular at Wet Paint amongst those who know their ink is McCaffery’s Penman’s Ink. Neil McCaffery makes this beautiful series of water-based inks, noted for the fine lines one can achieve with them. Neil offers a range of interesting colors that guarantee “the finest lines, the darkest shades.” Neil has just added two new colors, a glossy black and an ivory white, which we’ve just brought in.

You can purchase these products right now at our Online Store by clicking on the above links!

So support a couple of worthy independents and get yourself some great ink at the same time