Natural Oak Gall and Iron ink made to a medieval recipe.

Long before commercialism and petrochemicals took over, oak gall and iron ink was used as the go-to black in the west. It is considered one of the most permanent inks and can last for hundreds of years. The Magna Carter, Shakespeare's plays, the Declaration of Independence and some of Da Vinci's drawings are testament to this fact.

Oak galls are formed on oak trees by the interaction of a little gall wasp that lays it's larvae on the tree which then creates unusual growths that are very high in tannic acid. Once hatched the galls can be harvested, ground and cooked to release their powerful pigment.

This rich brown is reacted with ferrous sulphate (iron water) which instantly turns the ink into a velvety black, Gum Arabic (sap from an acacia tree) is added to thicken the ink and give some adhesion. A natural preservative is finally added (clove oil) which prohibits mould growth.

This ink, when drawn or brushed out will deepen dramatically over time, at first it can look grey/blue then over minutes and hours will deepen steadily into a very strong black. It is also possible to dilute the ink with water.

How to use...

Shake well (separation of pigment is normal) for use with a dip pen or brush, this ink is not suitable for fountain pens due to it's corrosive nature and granularity. Brush out onto good quality paper, water-colour paper is perfect and makes a huge difference to how the ink looks when dry.

Please thoroughly wash all nibs and brushes after use, and keep this ink separate from other colours, don't cross contaminate other inks by dipping your brush/pen into other bottles. Instead, pour a little into a dish.

Store your ink out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place. It can help to keep your ink refrigerated to make it last longer. If mould forms, your ink is till good, just remove the mould.

Our oak gall and iron ink is considered lightfast, but care should be taken not to display finished work in direct sunlight. Mounting under UV protective glass will increase protection.

Health and Safety...

Wash all splashes from skin with soap and water and wash hands after use.

Our inks are not intended to be used by children.

Do not ingest and avoid contact with eyes.

If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves.

Please note, due to our inks being made in small batches, from natural materials, there may be some fluctuation in ink colours and tones.