We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Waterproof Pen?

Daniel Liden
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 11,621
Share

A waterproof pen is a pen that can be submerged in water and remain functional without sustaining any damage. A waterproof pen can also, in many cases, write on damp or wet surfaces because of the nature of the ink in the pen. Waterproof pens can be designed in many ways and are typically constructed out of relatively inexpensive materials, such as plastic, rubber, or chrome. The ink used tends to be more important to its waterproof function, as many types of ink will not work well when exposed to water. The ink used in waterproof pens must be able to produce clear marks even when wet.

One tends to use a waterproof pen for one of two primary reasons. Either he works in a wet environment and his pen must function properly when wet, or he needs to write on moist surfaces without worrying about the ink running excessively. People who work outdoors in rainy or humid conditions often benefit from the use of waterproof pens.

A waterproof pen can be designed in many ways. Typically, there is no easy way to distinguish a waterproof pen from any other pen, as they are designed to look essentially the same. Waterproof pens can be designed as click pens or as pens with caps, just as other pens. It is, however, rare to see a waterproof fountain pen as the ink flows too freely and would likely diffuse into any body of water.

The materials used in making waterproof pens are often different than those used in regular pens. They are often made with or coated with rubber or plastic to keep water from reaching any parts that could rust or otherwise be damaged. Any metal parts, such as the body or any internal springs, are made out of metal alloys that will not rust. In some cases, especially with cap pens, there is some form of seal that prevents water from reaching the pen's ink source.

The ink in a waterproof pen is of particular importance as the ink specifically must be preserved and must remain usable in wet conditions. The ink, which is usually stored in a special pressurized cartridge, is generally high-quality pigmented ink. Most pens use simple dye ink, which dissolves easily in water and does not hold up in damp conditions. Pigmented ink, unlike dye ink, does not dissolve completely; parts of it remain solid and mix with the paper. This prevents it from dissolving or running when exposed to water.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Daniel Liden
By Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden, a talented writer with a passion for cutting-edge topics and data analysis, brings a unique perspective to his work. With a diverse academic background, he crafts compelling content on complex subjects, showcasing his ability to effectively communicate intricate ideas. He is skilled at understanding and connecting with target audiences, making him a valuable contributor.
Discussion Comments
Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden, a talented writer with a passion for cutting-edge topics and data analysis, brings a unique perspective to...
Learn more
Share
https://direct.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-waterproof-pen.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.