How to Make Permanent Marker Ink (DIY)

Permanent markers are a versatile tool that can be used for drawing, labeling, decorating, and so many other activities. You can use it almost on all porous and non-porous surfaces. And it dries to form a long-lasting permanent mark on the area.

But have you ever wondered how permanent marker ink is made? If so, you are in luck today. Besides explaining the actual marker ink theory, I will show you how to make the permanent ink at home that will work just like store-bought ones.

This DIY project is easy and cheap. You can make the permanent ink only by using some common items – lamp black, egg yolk, gum arabic powder, and honey.

In this article, I’ll show you the step-by-step process of making ink. So, it’s time for you to get started on this creative project and enjoy the benefits.

Important

This homemade ink may not be as strong as commercial permanent marker ink. The main reason is, I will not use any strong chemicals that you will find in Sharpie markers.

But it works just like the permanent ink and if you can take care of the writing, it will last longer. And it’s non-toxic and completely safe for health. You can also refill your dried-out Sharpie using this ink.

What Makes Ink Permanent?

You will find five basic components inside most of the permanent markers and those are – solvents, chemicals, pigments, dyes, and resin. Though there are some other ingredients but these are the major ones.

This is why permanent marker inks are also called pigment or dye-based inks. However, the level of permanence of these pigments depends on their chemical composition.

Due to the water resistant feature this type of ink is difficult to remove. But there are some other chemicals that are strong and has the ability to break down these molecules.

However, some additives and binders are added in making commercial inks which allow faster drying time than normal marker inks.

But the formulation of homemade permanent ink is different from the commercial ones as I’m not going to use any chemicals. Though there’s no chemical in it, still it’ll be permanent in the same way and tough to remove.

How to Make Permanent Marker Ink (Step by Step)

Making ink at home is just a piece of cake for you. It’s a simple ink recipe that anyone can make. Even you can use this ink for different types of activities, just like how you use permanent markers for drawing, decorating, coloring, etc. 

The ingredients I’m going to use in this process are also widely available and budget-friendly. So, before going to the main procedure, let’s have a look at the ingredients first.

Step – 1: Mix the Ingredients

First of all, you have to mix the ingredients together. But not all of them. Take a bowl and the other three elements – egg yolk, gum arabic, and honey.

Now, put one egg yolk, one tbs. gum arabic powder and 1/2 cup honey into the bowl. After that, using the spoon, mix all these things. While doing this process, you can wear hand gloves to stay away from any dirt or ink.

In this first mixing, you shouldn’t add the lampblack. You have to just properly mix the three others so that there remain no bubbles in them.

Step – 2: Add Lampblack Powder

In this step, you have to mix lampblack powder into the mixture. You will find it online or in super shops. You can also use carbon black instead.

However, if you can’t find any of them, you can make it at home. For making the lampblack powder, you have to burn regular paper or wood properly. Then you can use that black ash instead of it.

You can also flame a metal surface with an oil lamp or candle to produce carbon. Then you can easily brush off the carbon soots from the surface to use here. Both of the processes are pretty easy, but you need to have some patience while doing so.

So, you just need to stir 1/2 tbsp. of this lampblack powder into the mixture. It’ll help you to produce a thick paste of permanent ink.

Step – 3: Create Proper Consistency

It’s time to check the consistency of the ink. Since you’ve got a thick paste, you have to make it perfect for use with markers. So, add one tbs. of acetone-based nail polish remover to the paste and stir it thoroughly. It’ll work as paint thinner.

Keeping balance in the ink consistency is very important. Using more acetone will make the ink becomes sloppy and less will make it hard to use with markers.

So, I would recommend to add the acetone slowly to get the perfect consistency. By using a brush and paper, check the quality and consistency of the ink.

Step – 4: Refill Your Marker

Now, it’s time to refill your markers with the homemade ink. This ink is perfect for refillable markers.

Before refilling, you have to first open the ink reservoir and clean it with acetone. Make sure there doesn’t remain any old ink. After cleaning, pour the homemade ink into the ink reservoir and be careful about not to overfill it.

Then put the cap on and shake the marker a few times. After that, use a paper and write on it to make sure the marker tip is thoroughly soaked with the ink or not. When it fully absorbs the ink, it’ll provide vibrant colors like the store-bought ones. 

You can store the leftover ink in a sealed container to use afterward. However, here I’ve shown you the black ink method, but you can create other bold ink colors by using tempera paints.

Additionally, you can use this ink to create a tattoo on your body. It’s totally safe to use and also stays like permanent tattoo ink.

Warning

Actually, I don’t recommend using any of the chemicals you found in original permanent markers. The reason behind it is, you need a laboratory to use some of the chemicals. So, when you use it at home, it can be dangerous. And also, for using some components, you need some preparation that is impossible to do at home.

So, it’s better to follow the method mentioned above when preparing permanent ink at home. And you can always use hand gloves while doing this process. 

Another thing is that you should use the ink as soon as possible. Since there is no chemical in it or any other preservatives, you won’t be able to use it later if you plan to store it for months after months.

Be careful while making it so that there will not be any ink splits on your skin or clothes. As it’s permanent ink, removing it from clothes may be difficult for you.

Final Words

Hopefully, you have got a clear idea on how you can make permanent marker ink at home. The ingredients are also easily available. This is also a cheaper and easier way to make DIY permanent marker ink.

Follow the steps properly to get your desired ink and you won’t be disappointed at all. It will also be a fun activity to do this DIY project.