Bombay India Ink Set 1 - 12 Vibrant 1.0 oz Bottles

In this review of the Bombay India Ink Set 1, the bottom line is simple: this kit is for artists who need intensely pigmented, reliable inks that stay put once dry. The set includes twelve 1.0 oz glass bottles with droppers and a mixing palette, and it earns recommendation chiefly for the combination of vivid, lightfast color and waterproof permanence when dry. For illustrators, calligraphers, and mixed-media painters who value color quality and versatility, this set delivers consistent performance across brushes, dip pens, technical pens, and airbrushes.

Key Features

• Set of 12 glass bottles: Provides a broad selection of colors in convenient 1.0 oz dropper bottles for controlled dispensing and easy mixing.
• Vibrant, finely ground pigments: Produces bright, saturated washes and intense line work that retain brilliance after drying.
• Lightfast and permanent: Colors resist fading so finished work remains stable over time when kept out of harsh conditions.
• Waterproof when dry: Allows layered techniques and final sealing without reactivation, ideal for mixed-media applications.
• Transparent color range with opacity options: Most colors are transparent for glazing, while black and white provide opaque covering power for corrections and highlights.
• Includes mixing palette: A small palette simplifies color mixing and testing without requiring additional tools.

Who It's For

This ink set suits professional and hobby artists who need dependable, richly pigmented inks for illustration, technical drawing, calligraphy, and watercolor-style washes. Those who work across multiple tools will appreciate that the inks are non-clogging in pens and can be thinned for brushes or airbrushes.

Artists who prefer very large volumes or specialty archival specifications beyond lightfast permanence may want larger bottles or pigment data sheets from alternatives. Buyers who need guaranteed leakproof shipping should note that bottle complaints are mixed and may want to handle packaging carefully.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional color quality and vibrancy that hold up after drying.
• Versatile for brushes, dip pens, technical pens, and airbrush with non-clogging performance.
• Waterproof permanence when dry enables layered, mixed-media work without reactivation.
• Good value: twelve 1.0 oz bottles and a mixing palette cover a wide color range.

Cons

• Some customers report occasional bottle leakage when bottles are laid down, so careful storage and transport are recommended.

Specifications

Brand	Dr. Ph. Martin's
Product set	Set 1 Colors (12 bottles)
Bottle size	1.0 oz (30 ml) glass bottles with droppers
Color count	12 unique colors
Key properties	Lightfast, permanent, waterproof when dry
Includes	Custom mixing palette
Country of origin	Made in the USA

Our Verdict

The Bombay India Ink Set 1 is a strong choice for artists who prioritize pigment quality and versatility across media. With a dozen vibrant colors in dropper bottles and waterproof permanence when dry, it offers excellent value for illustration, calligraphy, and mixed-media work. Buyers should pack bottles upright for transport, but for studio use this set is consistently reliable and worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these inks waterproof?
Yes, the inks are waterproof when fully dry, allowing for layered work without reactivating lower layers.

Can they be used in pens and airbrushes?
Yes, the formula is non-clogging in pens and can be diluted for brush or airbrush use.

Do the colors fade?
The inks are described as lightfast and permanent, so they resist fading under normal display conditions.