Complete guide: Fusion drawing brush Basic Black 15 ml
A black drawing ink from the Fusion range, delivered in a compact 15 ml bottle, designed for the design stage: sketches, outlines, lettering and preparation of tattoo designs on paper. It is intended exclusively for drawing — the manufacturer explicitly states that it is not to be used for tattooing. Being a water-based ink with a high pigment load, it offers a dense, uniform black and flows well through both nibs and brushes. Useful for both tattoo artists preparing their projects and those practicing drawing or calligraphy.
How to use
- Shake the bottle well before each use so that the pigment is evenly distributed in the ink.
- Pour a small amount into a separate container (cap or well) — do not dip instruments directly into the bottle to avoid contaminating the rest of the ink.
- Work with nibs or brushes, depending on the desired detail: fine tips for lines and micro-details, wider brushes for fills and shadow areas.
- For gray tones, dilute the ink with distilled water until you achieve the desired intensity; test the shade on a sample paper before the final sketch.
- Let the drawing dry completely before overlaying other layers or handling the paper — on absorbent paper drying is quick, on glossy or tracing paper it takes longer.
- Clean nibs and brushes with water immediately after use — being water-based, the ink washes off easily while fresh.
- Close the cap tightly and store the bottle upright, away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Tips from us
- Note the water/ink ratio that gives your preferred gray tone — this way you get the same gradations from one sketch to another.
- If you want the final drawing on paper to resist moisture, apply a fixative after drying — water-based ink can partially reactivate upon contact with water.
- The fact that it is not completely waterproof is an advantage in the sketching phase: you can easily correct wrong lines before fixing the final version.
- Basic Black can be mixed with the other colors from the Fusion range for custom shades or intermediate gray tones.
- The 15 ml bottle fits easily in a kit for conventions or working in multiple locations — however, check the cap before transport to avoid leaks.
Warning: This ink is intended exclusively for drawing. The manufacturer clearly states that it is not designed for tattooing — never introduce it under the skin and do not use it in place of a tattoo pigment; use for any purpose other than that stated is strictly at the user's own risk. Maintain working hygiene: decant the ink into clean or disposable containers, do not pour leftover ink back into the bottle, and do not touch the bottle opening with already used instruments. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tattoo with this ink?▾
No. The manufacturer explicitly states that the ink is intended for drawing, not tattooing, and using it for any other purpose is at the user's own risk. For tattooing, use exclusively dedicated tattoo pigments from the category of tattoo inks — this product remains your tool for sketches, outlines and design preparation.
How do I obtain gray tones for shadows in sketches?▾
Dilute the ink with distilled water: the more water you add, the lighter the gray becomes. Prepare the dilutions in separate containers and test them on a piece of paper identical to that of the final sketch, because the support visibly influences the tone. For repeatable gradations, keep the same proportions from one session to another.
What instruments can I use it with?▾
The ink is formulated to flow evenly through nibs and brushes of any size — from metal dip pen or calligraphy nibs for precise lines and lettering, to broad brushes for fills. Choose fine tips for micro-details and larger brushes for shadow areas or background.
Is it waterproof after drying?▾
Being water-based, it is not completely waterproof after drying — on paper it can partially reactivate upon contact with moisture. In the sketching phase this is actually useful, because it allows corrections. If you want the final drawing to resist, apply a fixative after the ink has fully dried.
How do I maintain the bottle and instruments so the ink lasts over time?▾
Close the cap tightly immediately after use and store the bottle upright, in a cool place away from sunlight. Do not insert used nibs or brushes directly into the bottle — always decant the required amount into a separate container and discard any excess. Wash instruments with water immediately after work, before the ink dries on them.
Is it a vegan formula?▾
Yes, according to the manufacturer the Fusion formula is vegan and based on organic pigment. If this aspect is important to you or your clients, it is a plus that the entire Fusion range is declared vegan friendly.
Product description
This ink is intended to be used for drawing, not to be used for tattoos. Its use for purposes other than those mentioned by the consumer is strictly the responsibility of the consumer. We do not assume any responsibility in the case of using this ink for a purpose other than the one mentioned. With over 40 years of combined experience, Adam Everett the industry's most vibrant, high quality inks — Fusion Tattoo Ink. This leading brand differentiates itself from the others on the market by their higher pigment load and visibly easier application. Fusion Tattoo Ink is an organic, vegan pigment. Specifications: Dimensions: 15ml High pigment load Bright, bold color with easy application Vegan friendly and organic
Fusion Basic Black 15 ml drawing ink is the fundamental ink in every tattoo artist's arsenal, delivering a pure and intense black indispensable for outlines, detailed sketches, and preparatory designs. Formulated by Fusion, a leader in professional tattoo consumables, this water-based ink delivers dense and uniform coverage with every stroke. The superior pigmentation of Basic Black ensures opaque and highly visible lines on any skin or paper type, eliminating ambiguity in the design process. The advanced balanced formula allows fluid and consistent flow through nibs and brushes of any size, from the finest tips for micro-details to wide brushes for quick fills. Black is the most used color in the tattoo sketching process, and ink quality makes the difference between a clear stencil and a confusing one. The compact 15 ml bottle is ideal for artists who frequently travel to conventions or work across multiple locations. The secure cap prevents leaks during equipment transport. Fusion Basic Black is compatible with all other colors in the Fusion range for mixing techniques and creating custom grey shades. Non-toxic and compliant with European regulations, this ink is the reference standard for professional drawing in tattooing.
Frequently Asked Questions Why is Fusion Basic Black the most popular ink in the range? Black is the fundamental color in tattooing, used in over 90% of designs for outlines, shadows, and details. Fusion Basic Black delivers a pure black without blue or brown undertones, ensuring maximum clarity in sketches. Consistent pigmentation from batch to batch makes it the trusted choice of professional artists who cannot afford variations in work quality. How does Fusion Basic Black compare to traditional Indian Ink? Fusion Basic Black is superior to traditional Indian Ink in several ways. It offers more consistent and intense pigmentation, smoother flow, and is specially formulated for safety in skin contact. Indian Ink may contain potentially irritating ingredients, while Fusion is non-toxic and compliant with European safety standards. Can I use Fusion Basic Black to create grey tones? Yes, Fusion Basic Black can be diluted with distilled water to create various grey tones, from very light grey to dark grey. This technique allows artists to create gradients and subtle shadows in their sketches. Alternatively, it can be mixed with Fusion Greywash ink for more controlled and consistent results in creating intermediate tones. Is Fusion Basic Black ink suitable for calligraphy and lettering? Absolutely, Fusion Basic Black is excellent for calligraphy and lettering in the tattoo context. The smooth and controlled flow allows precise letter drawing, from bold styles to delicate scripts. The intense pigmentation ensures each letter is clearly defined. The ink works perfectly with both calligraphy nibs and fine brushes for artistic lettering. How quickly does Fusion Basic Black ink dry on paper? Fusion Basic Black ink dries relatively quickly on paper, usually within seconds on absorbent surfaces and up to a minute on glossy or tracing paper. Drying time depends on the amount of ink applied and paper type. On skin, the ink remains visible but dries within 30-60 seconds, allowing continuous work without smearing. Is Fusion Basic Black ink waterproof after drying? Fusion Basic Black, being water-based, is not completely waterproof after drying. On paper, it can be partially reactivated when exposed to moisture. This is actually an advantage for tattooing, as it allows easy wiping and correction from skin. For paper drawings requiring water resistance, a fixative can be applied after drying. Can I use Fusion Basic Black ink with a metal nib? Yes, Fusion Basic Black works excellently with metal nibs, being formulated for optimal flow through any type of drawing instrument. Metal nibs, whether dip pen or calligraphy type, benefit from the fluid consistency of the ink that does not clog or accumulate on the tip. Clean the nib after use to prevent pigment drying. What is the difference between Basic Black and Greywash? Basic Black is a pure, intense black designed for opaque lines and defined outlines. Greywash is a diluted version of black, specifically created for shadows, gradients, and tonal effects. Basic Black provides maximum coverage in a single layer, while Greywash allows progressive tone building. The two complement each other perfectly in the design process. Does Fusion Basic Black ink permanently stain clothes? Fusion Basic Black ink can leave stains on clothes, but being water-based, removal chances are much higher than with alcohol or solvent-based inks. Immediate washing with cold water and soap provides the best results. The sooner you treat the stain, the higher the chances of complete removal. The recommendation is to wear protective clothing while working. How much ink should I order for a studio with two artists? For a studio with two artists, we recommend the 30 ml format or purchasing two 15 ml bottles per artist. Consumption depends on work volume and each artist's style, but on average, an active artist uses approximately 15-30 ml of black ink per month. Having sufficient stock prevents workflow interruptions and ensures project continuity.