Higgins Black & White Inks
Available in 5 colors • 1 oz, 2.5 oz, 16 oz & 32 oz bottles
Higgins Black & White Inks are studio staples for illustrators, calligraphers, comic artists, and mixed media creators. The range spans from Black Magic®, the darkest waterproof black, to Super White, the most opaque white. Excellent flow, dependable drying, and strong pigmentation make these inks ideal for brush, dip pen, and airbrush work.
Black India Ink (Original Formula)
The first Higgins ink, created in 1880. Micro‑pulverized carbon pigment is suspended in shellac to produce a rich charcoal black with a smooth, fluid flow. Permanent, fast-drying, and excellent for bold strokes or fine line work.
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Deep black with archival permanence
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Dilutes well for value studies and gray washes
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Works with watercolor, graphite, pastel, alcohol markers & mixed media
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Ideal for outlining, lettering, and illustration
Usage: Dilute with distilled water if desired. Shake before use. Do not mix with acids or use as tattoo ink. Not launder-proof.
AP Non-Toxic • Made in the USA
Black Magic® Waterproof Ink
A professional-grade, high-opacity black designed for sharp detail, reproduction, and scanning. Intense coverage and smooth application make it a top choice for comics, technical work, calligraphy, and illustration.
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Waterproof when fully cured
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Smooth flow for brush, dip pen, or airbrush
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Excellent for clean lines and high-contrast imaging
Usage: Best results after a 24-hour cure. Dilute with distilled water if needed. Shake before use.
AP Non-Toxic • Made in the USA
Black Non‑Waterproof Ink
A warm black that reacts beautifully with water for washes, gradients, and tonal transitions. Unlike the waterproof formulas, this ink can be softened or reactivated for adjustment — ideal for artists who prioritize atmosphere and value control.
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Reactivates with water for blending & shading
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Layers from light gray to deep black
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Semi‑opaque, staining, and great for expressive work
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Not as transparent as watercolor; holds tighter edges
Usage: Shake before use. Clean tools promptly. Do not mix with acids.
AP Non-Toxic • Made in the USA
Super White Ink (Most Opaque White)
A brilliant, opaque white designed for highlights, lettering, and high‑contrast detail on dark or toned surfaces. Mixes with Higgins colors to create pastel, gouache‑like tones.
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Bright, opaque coverage for linework or accent details
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Layers cleanly and can be diluted for translucent effects
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Striking results on black & mid‑tone papers
Usage: Use with brush, dip pen, or airbrush. Shake before use.
AP Non-Toxic • Made in the USA
White Ink (Semi‑Opaque)
A softer white alternative for subtle highlighting, ghost washes, and layered build‑up. Can be applied thin for transparent effects or layered for stronger coverage.
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Semi‑opaque for delicate detail or veil‑like washes
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Mixes to create soft pastels or tinted whites
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Excellent for lettering, illustration, and mixed media
Usage: Dilute with distilled water as needed. Shake before use.
AP Non-Toxic • Made in the USA
General Notes for All Higgins Inks
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Do not use as tattoo ink
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Not launder-proof; avoid fabric use
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Clean tools immediately or use Higgins Pen Cleaner
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Shake well before use — pigments naturally settle