Fluid Graphite is a water-soluble monochrome ink released by Kuretake Co., Ltd. It is made by blending graphite with synthetic resin and is known for its matte texture, which is unique to graphite. The ink features a rich, subdued color tone and excellent lightfastness.
Graphite, commonly referred to as black lead, is a form of carbon, similar to soot or carbon black. While these materials are listed under the same chemical symbol, their color appearances and properties differ due to variations in their crystalline structures.
Fluid Graphite offers a distinct matte finish that can be diluted with water or applied directly for bold, textured surfaces. When used on a polished and thick surface, you can achieve a glossy finish.
It also blends well with other water-based paints. By adjusting its viscosity or mixing it with modeling paste, you can create uneven textures that bring expressive material effects to life. Keep in mind that the Fluid Graphite works similarly to watercolors, it does not become waterproof after drying.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Suibokuga (Japanese Ink Painting)
Color Material: Fluid Graphite
Fluid Graphite also has a distinctive bleeding effect that preserves rich colors similar to pigment, while spreading softly like Sumi ink on absorbent paper.
When using it for illustration, you can draw fine lines and lettering with tools like a brush. However, since it is not waterproof, it is not suitable for outline drawings in color illustrations. We recommend using it on its own for monochromatic artwork or exploring watercolor-like expressions by adjusting the tone with water.
Moreover, the moderate viscosity of Fluid Graphite allows for the mixing of watercolors to create colored ink. (*Be sure to test this method before applying it to your artwork.)
For example, when you add Gansai Tambi watercolor, which is also produced by Kuretake, to Fluid Graphite, it results in water-based paints in different tones.
Gansai is a paint series known for its vivid colors and quick water solubility, similar to transparent watercolor paints. Even after the paint dries, you can apply water on top to achieve soft, blurred effects.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo x Kozo Mixed Paper
Color Material: Fluid Graphite, Gansai Tambi (Watercolor)
The low light value of the Fluid Graphite can enhance sparkling colors of the effect pigments.
For example, Opal Colors usually appear white, but their hues change when applied over a black background or mixed with dark paints.
【Art Materials Used】
Substrate: Bamboo x Kozo Mixed Paper
Color Material: Fluid Graphite, Gansai Tambi Opal Colors (Watercolor)
Other than this, you can create your custom graphite-colored inks by mixing Fluid Graphite and effect pigments available at PIGMENT TOKYO.
Since graphite has a unique sheen to it, we encourage you to experiment by combining it with other art materials too.
Besides graphite, we also offer carbon-based pigments such as soot and carbon black. We invite you to visit and see the actual colors of these pigments in person to compare them.
Fluid Graphite has tremendous creative potential and we hope you discover your own unique ways to use it!
Translated by Atsumi Okano, Nelson Hor Ee Herng
PIGMENT TOKYO Art Materials Experts
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art.
He also continues his career as a visual artist.