Name: Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink — 14ml Bottle (Peat Brown)
Brand: Winsor & Newton
Rating: 4.9 (11 reviews)

Product review

This product is supplied as a 14ml glass bottle of Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink in Peat Brown. The formula uses soluble dye pigments suspended in a refined shellac solution, creating vivid tones that have been relied on by illustrators and designers for over a century.

The ink can be applied using a brush, a dip pen or through an airbrush; it also plays well with mixed-media techniques. All shades in the drawing ink range are compatible with one another and can be diluted with distilled water for washes or finer values. For best results, the bottle should be shaken before use to recombine separated components.

Once applied the formula dries rapidly and becomes largely water-resistant, offering strong adhesion to many common surfaces. While it adheres well to paper, board and other art supports, it can lift under some glazing applications or on non-porous substrates, so testing on your chosen material is recommended.

Pros

Rich, concentrated color
Intermixable and easily diluted
Fast drying with strong adhesion

Cons

Requires shaking to recombine
Cap may become difficult to remove
Can lift with certain glazes or non-porous finishes

VerdictA compact, highly pigmented ink that mixes easily and dries to a water-resistant finish. Requires occasional vigorous shaking and some care with sealing caps, but delivers strong color, dependable flow for brushwork and good adhesion on a variety of supports.

Reviews

Julia Smith 5/5

Dense, rich pigment

Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. The color payoff is very strong.
Darren Robinson 5/5

Solid black coverage

Dark, opaque and dependable.
rita 5/5

Ottimo prodotto

Prodotto di qualità, molto soddisfatto.
Jim Altfeld 5/5

Favored by experienced calligraphers

As a long-time user of inks for calligraphy and pen work, I find this flows well and gives a rich black. The small bottle lasts much longer than you’d expect and offers professional results for drawing and lettering.
Kata M. 5/5

Consistent, smooth performance

My son uses this for his sketches and finds the flow reliable. Color is even and the ink dries quickly, producing clean, professional lines with both brush and pen.
Kennedy 5/5

Reliable black for frequent use

Excellent performance for everyday drawing. True black without green or blue casts, good drying, minimal bleed and easy to wash from hands when wet. I keep buying it for regular work.
Joyce 5/5

Great metallic gold impact

This gold ink delivered the vibrant sheen I needed for my mixed-media pieces. It coats well, gives vivid coverage, and lifts the eye in small highlights. I shake the bottle before opening and transfer some into the cap with a brush. It rinses from brushes with water and can be thinned slightly. To prevent the cap sticking, I apply a tiny bit of petroleum jelly around the neck.
Anette B 5/5

Fantastic for adding gold accents

Perfect for watercolor highlights — a single dip gives strong metallic marks. I shake, load a wet brush, then flick for splatter effects. Be careful, it can scatter everywhere.
Jim 5/5

Smooth and usable

Not too thin or thick, works well with pens and brushes. Needs firm shaking now and then, but gives pleasing results on paper.
Alicia 4/5

Lovely color but handle with care

This ink meets my needs for multimedia work, though it’s quite fluid so it won’t always replace metallic paints. Remember to shake it and clean tools thoroughly. I did have trouble removing a sealed cap and found the ink can lift under certain glazes or coatings on polymer clay.
matcha 5/5

Vigorous shaking needed

Opaque and attractive on dark backgrounds, with a pleasant yellow-gold tone. The pigment separates quickly, so work fast or keep shaking. It’s a little thick for some nibs but great with a brush. Small bottle (about 3.5 cm by 4 cm). Lubricate the threads to avoid a glued cap; soaking in hot water can free it if needed.