If you're shopping around for pens, you may be surprised at just how many different types there are to choose from. From ballpoint to fountain or rollerball pens, it can be tricky to find one to suit your needs. But that's where the incredible versatility of gel pens comes in!
In this short guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about this type of pen. From how they work to their benefits and how to choose the perfect one, you can use our expert information to find your ideal pen in no time.
What Are Gel Pens?
A gel pen is an amazing writing instrument with a unique ink composition and super smooth performance. Unlike traditional ballpoint pens, which use oil-based ink for a thicker line, gel pens use water-based gel ink with colored pigments.
This formulation makes for a viscous ink with a smooth flow for more satisfying and vibrant writing, while ballpoint ink is less viscous and doesn't glide as well over paper.
Compared to rollerball pens, which also use water-based ink with dyes rather than color pigments, gel pens have a thicker, gel-like consistency (hence their name!).
In essence, the gel pen strikes the perfect balance between the precision of a rollerball pen and the convenience of a ballpoint pen. This makes them a great pick for everyday writing while still being versatile enough for kids' crafts and other creative projects.
How Does A Gel Pen Work?
A gel pen uses a sophisticated yet pretty straightforward mechanism. At the very tip is a small metal ball, similar to the one in a ballpoint pen. This is what helps the pen maintain a consistent ink flow.
Half of this ball is coated in gel pen ink. So, when you move the pen across paper, it starts to rotate and pick up more ink from the pen.
This is what keeps the ball covered with ink, while the rolling action ensures that the pen continuously deposits ink onto the paper for a really smooth feel.
The best part is that you don't have to apply much pressure to get the color and consistency of other pens, making it an ideal addition to your child's art supplies.
5 Advantages Of Gel Pens
Gel ink pens come with a ton of benefits, and are some of the most popular types of pen for creative projects and artwork. But what exactly are these benefits? And how do they add to your writing experience? Let's take a closer look at some of the most obvious advantages of gel pens...
1. Writing experience
One of the best features of a gel pen is its silky smooth writing. The gel ink flows effortlessly onto paper, meaning you don't have to apply as much pressure as you would with a traditional pen. And, even with very light pressure, the colors come out clear and consistent!
A smoother writing flow also means less hand fatigue when writing, making them perfect for everyone - especially little ones. So, whether you're jotting down notes, journaling, or making homeschooling tasks more exciting for your child, you can't go wrong with a set of high-quality gel pens.
2. Vibrant colors
Gel pens are known for their incredibly bright and vibrant colors. While standard ballpoint pens produce lighter and less saturated colors, gel pens use pigmented ink that delivers really bold, opaque colors.
Colorful gel pens are particularly useful for activities where the color and clarity of your writing are essential, like highlighting important information in notes or adding emphasis to drawings and diagrams. Kids can also use them for a variety of art projects, which can make learning and drawing much more fun.
3. Quick-drying
Gel ink is designed to dry quickly after it has been applied to paper. This can be really beneficial for several reasons:
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It minimizes smudging, which is great for left-handed writers who tend to drag their hands across their freshly written text.
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It works well for artists since they don't have to wait for the ink to dry between strokes. This makes it a go-to for projects like sketching and other activities where efficiency is key.
4. Water-proof and fade-resistant
Another fantastic feature of gel pens is that they are resistant to both water and fading. In fact, once gel ink dries, it creates a protective barrier that prevents water damage and helps to maintain the integrity of whatever you've drawn or written.
5. Versatile
A gel pen can be used for just about anything! They're excellent for everyday tasks like taking notes, journaling, drawing, and a variety of other activities. Not only does the smooth feel of the pen make writing more enjoyable, but it also makes your creations more visually appealing!
How To Choose The Perfect Gel Ink Pen
Choosing the right gel pen depends on what you're using it for, your writing preferences, and several other factors. Below, we've listed the key points to keep in mind when shopping for a new set of gel pens:
Ink type and color options
We've already covered the type of ink that some of the most popular gel pens use. However, there are some other types out there to choose from.
Of course, there's the standard gel ink that gets its color from pigments. These pens are perfect for artwork and bullet journaling with opaque and super vibrant colors.
On the other hand, you could opt for dye-based inks that provide a much wider range of ink colors. These pens are better suited for creative projects that need subtle shading or blending and may not be the best pick for everyday writing.
No matter what you choose, you'll find something to suit your needs. You can even find fine-tip gel pens for more precise tasks (or if you simply prefer the feel of a smaller tip).
Pen grip and comfort
The feel of a pen can make or break your writing experience. Some people prefer weightier pens, for example, while others like a lighter, more ergonomic pen with a softer grip. Thankfully, there's no shortage of different gel pen weights and shapes that can make your writing more comfortable.
The pen you choose will depend on your preference for the feel. This is why it's extremely important to try the pen out before you buy it. Testing the pen will also give you a good idea of its quality, the vividness of the colors, the ink flow, and the overall experience of using it.
Durability and brand reputation
Make sure to examine the quality of your pen before you make a purchase. You should try to assess the overall build quality of the pen and its casing or body, as well as the durability of the mechanism it uses. It's always best to pick a pen made from sturdy materials that can withstand everyday use without leaking or breaking.
The best way to find a pen that will last is to buy from a reputable brand like Loddie Doddie. We always prioritize perfect performance in our pens and pay special attention to creating writing instruments that feel and look amazing.
FAQs
What is the difference between gel pens and regular pens?
The main difference between gel pens and regular pens is the type of ink that they use. Regular pens can use various types of ink, but gel pens are specifically designed to be smoother and write much more consistently than a traditional pen.
Which is better, a ball pen or a gel pen?
When it comes to pens, there isn't a hard-and-fast rule as to which one is better. Instead, the 'best' pen for you will depend on your preferences and the tasks that you need your pen to perform. For standard writing, a ballpoint pen can work well and get the job done. But, if you want to add some bright color and visual appeal to your work, or if you're creating artwork, a gel pen may suit you better.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right pen may seem like an easy task, but not every pen is suited to certain activities. However, with the versatility of gel pens, you won't need to consider any other type. They really do it all! From art to note-taking and general writing tasks, you can use your gel pen for just about anything.
So, if you're ready to get your creative juices flowing with some colorful gel pens, be sure to check out our collection!