Rediscovering Our Inks: A Reviewer’s Look at Tinta Nusantara’s Reformulated Collection

When we launched the reformulated version of Tinta Nusantara inks, our goal was clear: to build on what worked, improve what didn’t, and create a product that could truly represent the heart and soul of Indonesian fountain pen culture.

Recently, an experienced reviewer, Kikay Krafts & Journals revisited our full ink lineup in a thoughtful and insightful video, comparing it to his original impressions from a year ago. As makers, it’s always exciting—and a bit nerve-wracking—to hear honest feedback, especially after a reformulation. So here’s a full recap of what we learned from the artist’s point of view.

Swatching Session

Richer, More Expressive Colors

One of the first things the reviewer highlighted was how visibly improved the colors are. With the new formulation, each shade has gained more depth, clarity, and personality.

“The saturation level is just better across the board. The purples pop, the greens feel cleaner, and the reds have more punch,” she notes.

There’s a noticeable vibrancy that wasn’t as present in the earlier versions. The improved color balance makes each ink more versatile—whether used for daily journaling, calligraphy, or art.

Smooth Flow and Paper Compatibility

In terms of writing experience, the reviewer was pleased with how well the ink performs across different types of paper and fountain pens.

• Flows consistently, even in finer nibs or pens that tend to write dry

• Doesn’t feather or bleed easily, even on everyday paper

• Maintains a clean line, with good shading and no pooling

Whether you’re using Tomoe River, Midori, or standard office paper, the ink behaves reliably—something we specifically aimed for with this new blend.

Quick Drying, Just Enough Water Resistance

Dry time is always a key concern for journalers and left-handed writers, and we’re happy to hear the updated formula hits the mark here.

“Most of the colors dry under 10 seconds, even in wetter pens,” she says. “And they still have a little water resistance, which is nice.”

While we didn’t design these inks to be waterproof, a bit of residual legibility after water contact offers a bonus layer of protection for notes or sketches.

Gentle on Pens, Easy to Clean

One of the standout points in the review was how low-maintenance these inks are:

• No clogging or crusting – even when pens are left inked for days

• Quick and easy cleanup – flushes out easily with water

• Safe for all kinds of pens, including vintage or high-end fountain pens

These aspects were intentional—our reformulated inks are designed to be gentle on feeds and converters, so users spend less time cleaning and more time creating.

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Final Thoughts: A Step Forward, Together

Hearing such detailed, thoughtful feedback from a reviewer who’s been with us from the start is incredibly valuable. It affirms that we’re on the right track—and it inspires us to keep pushing forward.

We’re proud that the artist recognized our efforts to create inks that are not only beautiful but also practical and trustworthy.

Swatching Session

Thinking of Trying Tinta Nusantara?

Here’s what we recommend:

• Grab the full president series if you want the complete experience of our color spectrum

• Pair with medium or broad nibs to get the best shading and expression

• Use it for journaling, sketching, everyday notes, or letter writing—it’s versatile and forgiving

Thank you again to the reviewer for taking the time to explore the new version of our inks. And to our readers: we hope this gives you more insight into what makes Tinta Nusantara special.

Here’s to ink that flows as beautifully as the stories you write with it.