Editing Ballpoint pen (section)

==Inks==
Ballpoint pen ink is normally a paste containing around 25 to 40 percent dye. The dyes are suspended in a mixture of solvents and fatty acids.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=The Difference Between Ballpoint, Gel, and Rollerball Pens {{!}} JetPens|url=https://www.jetpens.com/blog/the-difference-between-ballpoint-gel-rollerball-pens/pt/167|access-date=2021-02-11|website=www.jetpens.com|archive-date=5 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105035818/https://www.jetpens.com/blog/the-difference-between-ballpoint-gel-rollerball-pens/pt/167|url-status=live}}</ref> The most common of the solvents are [[benzyl alcohol]] or [[phenoxyethanol]], which mix with the dyes and oils to create a smooth paste that dries quickly. This type of ink is also called "oil-based ink". The fatty acids help to lubricate the ball tip while writing. Hybrid inks also contain added lubricants in the ink to provide a smoother writing experience. The drying time of the ink varies depending upon the viscosity of the ink and the diameter of the ball.

In general, the more viscous the ink, the faster it will dry, but more writing pressure needs to be applied to dispense ink. But although they are less viscous, hybrid inks have a faster drying time compared to normal ballpoint inks. Also, a larger ball dispenses more ink and thus increases drying time.

The dyes used in blue and black ballpoint pens are [[alkaline|basic]] dyes based on [[triarylmethane dye|triarylmethane]] and acid dyes derived from [[diazo]] compounds or [[phthalocyanine]]. Common dyes in blue (and black) ink are [[Prussian blue]], Victoria blue, [[methyl violet]], [[crystal violet]], and [[phthalocyanine blue]]. The dye [[eosin]] is commonly used for red ink.

The inks are resistant to water after drying but can be defaced by certain solvents which include acetone and various alcohols.