Platinum Carbon Black Ink: Waterproof Pigment Black
Platinum Carbon Black is a waterproof black fountain pen ink from Platinum of Japan, sold in a 60 ml (2.0 fl oz) square glass bottle (INKC-1500) and as SPC-200 cartridges. Platinum calls it a water-based pigment ink. Mountain of Ink timed it at 60 seconds to dry and rated its water resistance high, and Goulet says to clean pens weekly.
On this page
Product facts
- Product
- Platinum Carbon Black fountain pen ink, 60 ml bottle (INKC-1500)
- Brand
- Platinum
- Brand origin
- Japan
- Made in
- Japan*
- Material
- Water-based pigment (carbon black) ink, alkaline, in a glass bottle
- Price range
- $$$$20–75 per item
Notes on these facts
- Made by Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. (Tokyo). Made in Japan: Luiban, a Berlin pen shop, lists Japan as the country of origin for the 60 ml INKC-1500, and Phidon Pens in Canada describes it as made in Japan. Platinum's Japanese product page (read on October 21, 2026) doesn't state a country. Source. Price: example listing.
- Price bands are typical US retail, checked October 2026. Conversions to US dollars are approximate, at October 2026 rates (US$1 = ¥158 = ₩1,330 = NT$32.5 = CN¥6.7 = SEK 9.9 = DKK 6.7 = ₺49.6 = C$1.41 = A$1.43 = CZK 21.7; €1 = US$1.12; £1 = US$1.32; CHF 1 = US$1.21).
Key takeaways
- Platinum's Japanese site lists the INKC-1500 bottle at 60 ml, W57 × 57 × H63 mm and 178 g, for ¥2,750 (about US$17) with tax.
- Platinum describes it as a water-based pigment ink (alkaline) that won't brown in sunlight, damp or water and doesn't redissolve once dry.
- Mountain of Ink timed it at 60 seconds to dry on fountain pen paper and rated its water resistance high.
- Goulet says to clean it out of a pen at least once a week so the pigment doesn't clog the feed.
- SPC-200 cartridges hold 1.2 ml each, 4 to a pack, and list at ¥330 (about US$2.10) in Japan.
What is Platinum Carbon Black?
It’s a black fountain pen ink made with carbon pigment instead of dye, which makes it waterproof once dry. Platinum, the Tokyo pen maker, sells it as カーボンインク (carbon ink) in a 60 ml bottle, code INKC-1500, and in SPC-200 cartridges.
It is one of the best-known waterproof inks in the US. Goulet’s listing shows 4.81 stars from 133 reviews, and JetPens calls it its favorite waterproof black fountain pen ink. It’s the waterproof pick in our best fountain pen inks roundup.
Platinum Carbon Black specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Maker | Platinum Pen Co., Ltd., Tokyo |
| Code | INKC-1500 #1 Black; GTIN 4977114407857 (Luiban) |
| Bottle | 60 ml (2.0 fl oz), glass, ink reservoir included |
| Bottle size and weight | W57 × 57 × H63 mm (2.2 × 2.2 × 2.5 in), 178 g (Platinum Japan) |
| Ink type | Water-based pigment, alkaline (Platinum Japan) |
| Japan list price | ¥2,750 (about US$17) with tax |
| Cartridges | SPC-200: 4 × 1.2 ml, ¥330 (about US$2.10) |
| Dry time | 60 s (Mountain of Ink) |
| Water resistance | High (Mountain of Ink) |
| Shading / sheen | None / none (Mountain of Ink) |
| Price band | $$$ ($20–75 per bottle) |
| Made in | Japan (retailers) |
Platinum’s Japanese site lists an “ink reservoir” (インクリザーバー) as an included accessory but doesn’t describe it on the product page.
Is Platinum Carbon Black really waterproof?
Yes, once it has dried and cured. Mountain of Ink rated its water resistance high and found it “doesn’t budge” when exposed to water, and Goulet calls it very permanent and lightfast.
Platinum’s Japanese ink notes say the carbon black pigment won’t turn brown from sunlight, humidity or water, and call it the best ink for keeping records permanently. JetPens adds that it takes a few hours to cure fully, so don’t test a fresh page under the tap.
Is it safe for your fountain pen?
Yes, if you keep the pen in use and clean it regularly. Goulet says pigment inks should never be left to dry in a pen and that it’s best to clean Carbon Black out at least once a week to prevent clogging.
Platinum gives the reason: carbon black pigment isn’t water-soluble, so once it dries it won’t dissolve again. Mountain of Ink found pens felt gritty after one flush and needed a second wash, and suggests dedicating one pen to it.
A pen with a sealing cap helps. The Platinum Preppy and the #3776 Century both take Platinum cartridges, and the Century’s Slip & Seal cap is designed to stop ink drying in the nib.
How does it write?
Wet and very black, with no shading or sheen. Mountain of Ink calls it a great classic, neutral black, with a wetter-than-average flow in a medium nib.
On fountain pen paper it saw no feathering, medium show-through and only a touch of bleeding on Leuchtturm. On Staples 24 lb copy paper it feathered at every nib size, so choose good paper.
It dries slowly, about 60 seconds in that test, because the pigment sits on the surface rather than soaking in. Left-handed writers may prefer a faster dye ink.
What do artists use it for?
Line work under watercolor or ink washes. Goulet says it is highly regarded by artists and a standard for ink-wash and mixed-media work, where a line has to survive being painted over.
Goulet also suggests it for brush pens and for papers where you want the ink to dry on the surface instead of soaking in.
How does it compare with other black inks?
Carbon Black is the most waterproof of the common blacks, at the cost of more pen care.
| Platinum Carbon Black | Noodler’s Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Ink type | Pigment (carbon) | Bulletproof dye |
| Bottle | 60 ml | 3 oz (about 88 ml) |
| Water resistance | High (Mountain of Ink) | High, per Noodler’s |
| Care | Clean weekly (Goulet) | Ordinary dye-ink care |
| Price band | $$$ | $$ |
For a colored ink that’s easy to flush, see Iroshizuku Kon-peki. Platinum also makes Chou-kuro (超黒, INKC-5000), a blacker carbon ink launched in Japan on July 1, 2023, at ¥5,500 (about US$35) for 60 ml.
Where is Platinum Carbon Black made?
In Japan, according to retailers. Luiban, a Berlin pen shop, lists Japan as the country of origin, and Phidon Pens in Canada says made in Japan.
Platinum’s own product page doesn’t state the country. The company is based in Tokyo, and its Japanese site lists the bottle at ¥2,750 (about US$17) and the four-cartridge pack at ¥330 (about US$2.10), tax included.
Frequently asked questions
Is Platinum Carbon Black waterproof?
Yes, once it has dried. Mountain of Ink rated its water resistance high and found it didn't budge in water, and Goulet calls it waterproof and very permanent. JetPens says it needs a few hours to cure fully.
Is Carbon Black safe for fountain pens?
Platinum makes it for fountain pens, but it's a pigment ink, so it needs more care than a dye ink. Goulet says to clean it out at least once a week and never let it dry in the pen.
How long does Platinum Carbon Black take to dry?
About 60 seconds on Rhodia, Tomoe River and Leuchtturm in Mountain of Ink's test. It sits on top of the paper rather than soaking in, which is why it dries slowly.
Can you use Carbon Black under watercolor?
Yes; that is its best-known use. Goulet says artists treat it as a standard for line work that will be washed over later, as in ink-and-wash sketches.
How big is a bottle of Platinum Carbon Black?
60 ml (2.0 fl oz). Platinum's Japanese site lists the square bottle at W57 × 57 × H63 mm and 178 g, and says it comes with an ink reservoir.
Does Platinum Carbon Black come in cartridges?
Yes. The SPC-200 pack holds four 1.2 ml cartridges, per Platinum's Japanese site, and fits Platinum pens such as the Preppy and #3776 Century.
Where is Platinum Carbon Black made?
In Japan, according to retailers: Luiban lists Japan as the country of origin and Phidon Pens says made in Japan. Platinum's own product page doesn't state a country.
Sources
- プラチナ万年筆: カーボンインク 万年筆用水性顔料インク INKC-1500 (Platinum Japan: 60 ml, ¥2,750, water-based pigment, alkaline, W57 × 57 × H63 mm, 178 g, ink reservoir included)
- プラチナ万年筆: カーボンインク カートリッジ SPC-200 (Platinum Japan: 1.2 ml each, 4 per pack, ¥330, pigment, alkaline)
- プラチナ万年筆: インクの豆知識 (Platinum Japan ink notes: carbon black pigment doesn't brown, best for permanent records, doesn't redissolve once dry)
- プラチナ万年筆: 万年筆用カーボンインク「超黒」発売 (Platinum Japan press release: Chou-kuro INKC-5000, July 1, 2023)
- Goulet Pens: Platinum Carbon Black 60 ml bottled ink (pigment, artists' standard, clean weekly; 4.81 stars from 133 reviews)
- Mountain of Ink: Platinum Carbon Black review, February 2, 2020 (dry time 60 s, water resistance high)
- JetPens: The Best Waterproof Fountain Pen Inks (Carbon Black as favorite waterproof black; cure time)
- Luiban: Platinum Carbon Ink 60 ml (INKC-1500, GTIN 4977114407857, country of origin Japan)
- Phidon Pens: Platinum Carbon Black Ink 60 ml (made in Japan)