Colorverse - NGC1850 - Fountain Pen Ink Review

2 days ago
4 min read

This dark teal, nearly-black ink features a blue-green sheen and a refined silver-gold shimmer.

🖋 Core Properties

Features: (This is just a description of the ink properties)

✅ Sheen

✅ Glitter/Shimmer

❌ Waterproof/Permanent Ink

The Review:

Colorverse NGC 1850 is a dark teal ink that offers a very refined writing experience. We spent three weeks testing this ink with a Conklin Duragraph medium nib on 90g Clairefontaine paper. The flow is consistently wet and well-lubricated, making it a pleasure to use for longer writing sessions. While the color can look almost black in some lighting, the uniqueness comes from the blend of sheen and shimmer—you’ll see hints of blue, green, silver, and gold that give your work a dash of sparkle without being overwhelming.

For those who prioritize performance, this ink is surprisingly low-maintenance. We didn't experience any major clogging or flow issues, even when switching to finer nibs. The ink keeps its character well across various pens and stays very consistent. However, there are a couple of trade-offs to consider, particularly the dry time. Expect about 45 seconds for a medium nib and 30 seconds for a fine nib, which might be a bit risky for left-handed writers who need a quicker dry time. It is also important to note that this ink is not waterproof or water-resistant.

To get the best results, high-quality paper is a must. On standard 20 lb copy paper, the ink tends to feather and bleed, and you lose much of that beautiful sheen and shimmer. When it's time for maintenance, the ink is relatively easy to clean for a shimmering ink. I do recommend pulling the feed to ensure all the shimmer is removed so it doesn't linger or stain. Overall, this is an excellent choice if you want a professional base color with just enough uniqueness to elevate your writing without the usual fuss.

To bring the review to life, I’ve included a series of photographs that demonstrate the ink’s behavior under real writing conditions. These images highlight everything from smudge resistance and drying time intervals to the flow characteristics observed during extended writing. You are seeing my authentic comments penned using the ink itself, offering a direct glimpse into its consistency, saturation, and personality of the ink. These snapshots serve not just as proof, but as part of the ink’s narrative—capturing its strengths, quirks, and overall impression.

**Please note that our reviews may differ significantly from what you typically see from other individuals or companies. This is more than just a review—it's an ink test conducted for both our benefit and yours. We use each ink for one and a half to two weeks to gather as much information as possible. During this time, we test a range of nib sizes to evaluate how the ink performs across different writing styles. Some inks are tested with everything from a fine nib to a 1.1 mm stub, while shimmer inks may only be used with broad and stub nibs, as we generally advise against using shimmer inks with fine or extra-fine nibs.

This isn’t a “sit down, open a bottle, and write a review in 15 minutes” kind of approach. Instead, we aim to offer insights based on real-world tests and extended daily use. Keep in mind, every pen writes a little differently, and ink performance can vary from one to another. We also conduct several tests on various types of paper. Most of the time, we use Clairefontaine Triomphe 90g paper as our high-quality benchmark, and Pen+Gear 20lb copy paper as a lower-quality comparison.**

Performance Factors

Saturation & Depth - (How rich and bold the ink appears)

4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Deep, rich tones! Pops off the page beautifully.

Shading / Sheen / Shimmer - (How the ink performs against other inks in this category)

4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Beautiful sheen/shimmer! Ink has depth and personality.

Consistency & Flow - (Is is smooth & reliable while writing?)

3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Balanced. Decent flow with only minor hiccups.

Feathering & Bleed-through - (How much the ink spread/bleed on different paper types)

4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Excellent! No feathering on quality paper.

Drying Time - (How fast the ink dries on paper?)

2 Nibs (✒️✒️✧✧✧) – Sluggish. Takes 21-30 seconds, risky for left-handers.

Smudging & Smear Resistance - (How well the ink resists smudging)

4 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✒️✧) – Low smudging! Stays clean with careful handling.

Water Resistance - (How well the ink holds up against moisture)

1 Nib (✒️✧✧✧✧) – Completely washes away. Will vanish with a single drop of water.

Cleaning - (How easy it is to flush ink from a fountain pen?)

3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) – Manageable. Cleans out fairly easily with normal maintenance.

Staining – (Does the Ink Leave a Mark Where It Shouldn't after cleaning?)

3 Nibs (✒️✒️✒️✧✧) - Normal cleaning can minimize most staining.

Overall Opinion

The Colorverse NGC 1850 fountain pen ink is a pleasure to use. Beautiful color, good flow, and just enough uniqueness to elevate your writing. Not quite perfect, but it rewards regular use and offers a refined experience without fuss.

Interested in this ink?

Check it out now!!

Colorverse Fountain Pen Ink - NGC 1850 - 30ml - Shimmer Ink

$19.00$15.20

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