How to prevent pen ink from smudging?

How to prevent pen ink from smudging featured

Why Does Pen Ink Smudge?

Pen ink smudging is a common frustration for many writers. The main cause of this problem is the ink’s ability to flow and spread on the paper’s surface, leading to the formation of stains and smudges. The type of paper and pen can also affect ink smudging, as porous paper and smooth ink flow are more prone to smudging.

Choose the Right Pen

Choosing the right pen can go a long way in preventing ink smudging. Ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, and gel pens are less prone to smudging than fountain pens or calligraphy pens because of their quick-dry ink formulations. Also, pens with fine or medium tips tend to have less ink flow, which results in fewer smudges. Consider investing in high-quality pens from brands such as Papermate or Pilot G2.

Use the Right Paper

The type of paper you use is essential in preventing ink smudging. Non-porous paper, such as glossy or coated paper, is less prone to ink smudging compared to porous paper like printer paper or recycled paper. Generally, writing on thicker paper stock tends to result in fewer smudges. Consider using high-quality paper brands such as Mohawk or Neenah Paper.

Allow Sufficient Drying Time

One of the simplest ways to prevent ink smudging is to allow sufficient drying time between writing and handling the paper. Depending on the pen and paper used, drying time can vary from seconds to minutes. Avoid touching or stacking papers immediately after writing to prevent ink transfer or smudging. If you’re in a hurry and need to write quickly, consider using a quick-drying pen.

Protect Your Writing

If you frequently write in notebooks or journals, you can protect your writing from smudging by using protective sheets or tracing paper between the pages. Protective sheets or tissue paper can prevent transfer and smudging of the ink to the previous or next pages. You can also avoid smudging by using a clipboard to support the paper while writing or invest in a pen sleeve or pen holder to prevent ink transfer when carrying pens around.

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