Bombay India Ink Set 2 Colors - 12 Vibrant 1.0 oz Bottles

In this review of the Bombay India Ink Set 2, the bottom line is simple: artists who want a compact, versatile pack of transparent, lightfast inks will appreciate the range and pigment strength. The set includes twelve 1.0 oz glass bottles with droppers and a custom mixing palette, making it especially suited for watercolorists, calligraphers, and mixed-media artists who need reliable, waterproof color that layers well. The biggest reason to buy is consistent, brilliant color in a small, easy-to-use format that adheres to many surfaces and performs in pens and brushes.

Key Features

• Set size: Twelve 1.0 oz glass bottles provide a practical range of colors for extended projects without taking much storage space.
• Dropper bottles: Built-in droppers allow precise dispensing and controlled mixing on the included palette for predictable color blends.
• Pigmentation: Made from finely ground pigments, these inks deliver vibrant, transparent hues ideal for layering and glazing techniques.
• Durability: Inks are lightfast and become permanent and waterproof when dry, which helps finished work resist smudging and moisture.
• Versatility: Useable with brushes, dip pens, technical pens, and airbrushes, making the set suitable for a wide range of drawing and painting workflows.

Who It's For

The Bombay India Ink Set 2 is best for artists who value concentrated color and control: illustrators, calligraphers, and watercolor painters who want a compact, refillable ink solution. The mix of warm and cool tones, including a neutral Yellow Ochre and darker opaque options, supports both bright washes and more saturated details.

Those who should look elsewhere include artists needing very large volumes for production printing or those who require solvent-based or specialized archival inks beyond standard India ink properties. Also, if complete smear-immunity during wet handling is essential, testers report some smearing on non-absorbent surfaces before the ink fully sets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vibrant, highly pigmented colors that layer well and remain brilliant when dry.
• Convenient 1.0 oz glass bottles with droppers and a mixing palette for precise color work.
• Lightfast, permanent, and waterproof when dry, suitable for finished pieces that need durability.
• Works across many tools - brushes, dip pens, technical pens, and airbrushes - for flexible use.

Cons

• Some users report smearing on certain surfaces before the ink is fully dry, so care is needed during handling.

Specifications

Brand	Dr. Ph. Martin's
Set contents	12 bottles with droppers and a mixing palette
Bottle volume	1.0 oz (30 ml) per bottle
Color set	Set 2 Colors: Golden Yellow, Orange, Tangerine, Crimson, Cherry Red, Red Violet, Aqua, Turquoise, Yellow Ochre, Terra Cotta, Van
Lightfastness	Lightfast when dry
Water resistance	Permanent and waterproof when dry
Country of manufacture	Made in the USA

Our Verdict

The Bombay India Ink Set 2 is a strong choice for creatives who want vibrant, mixable inks in a compact kit; the dropper bottles and palette make color control easy while the lightfast, waterproof finish protects finished work. It represents good value for artists seeking versatile, portable ink that works across brushes and pens, though careful drying is required to avoid occasional smearing on non-absorbent surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these inks waterproof?
Yes, the inks become permanent and waterproof once fully dry, which helps protect finished artwork from moisture.

Can I dilute them for washes?
Yes, the inks dilute well with water for transparent washes and traditional watercolor techniques.

Do they work in pens and airbrushes?
They are non-clogging in many pens and can be used in technical pens and airbrushes, though testing is recommended with specific equipment.