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Have you ever wondered how to use the white pencil in your collection of colored pencils? Given that all coloring books are printed on white paper, and all sketchbooks and scrapbooks contain white pages, it is reasonable to assume that white colored pencils and pens are pointless. But dark-colored and black-paper sketch pads are becoming trendy, allowing you to experiment with new types of art. So put down the classic black gel pen and try out a white one!
A white-colored pen is a great alternative to make your drawings and doodles pop out and achieve new life and style. A white gel pen can be an essential tool for any artist, professional or amateur. Picking one from the countless options available is a challenging proposition, especially since it’s so difficult to find the ideal pen in general. To make things easier for you, we provided a selection of premium white gel pens for 2023.
Buying Guide: White Gel Pens
If you have been buying black and blue pens all your life, you probably already have a clear preference. But shopping for white pens is a different ball game. Our comprehensive buyer’s guide can help you streamline the process and make a successful purchase.
What Are White Gel Pens Used For?
White gel pens have several practical applications. Here are a few of the many uses of white gel pens:
Arts and crafts
White gel pens are essential for arts and crafts projects. Dark colored paper, especially black paper, can be used to draw pictures, designs, and patterns. They can also add highlights and accents to a variety of other media besides just paper crafts.
Taking notes
Writing with black pens on the dark, glossy pages of books, journals, and matte black sketch pads is just as good as not writing because it’s hardly perceptible. White gel pens are highly useful in all situations, whether you want to take notes on dark-colored paper or write on glossy, dark pages in your textbooks or magazines.
Medical applications
White gel pens are frequently used by medical professionals, especially radiologists, to make notes, observations, and other pertinent annotations on a variety of documents, including x-rays and other imaging results on dark surfaces.
Correction
Even though correction fluid is very effective at hiding your blunders, it can become messy. On a white page, a white gel pen is a practical and convenient approach for hiding mistakes you’ve made.
Benefits of White Gel Pens
Due to their various benefits, white gel pens have become increasingly popular among students, professionals, artists, and a wide range of other consumers. Here are a few reasons behind white gel pens’ appeal:
- White gel pens offer an effortless flowing movement that allows them to glide across the page, significantly reducing hand pressure
- They also expedite work completion and make it easier to work comfortably for extended periods
- White gel pens do not bleed through paper, unlike regular ink
- For those who are particular about details, white gel pens come in a range of sizes
- Gel pens offer sharp, vivid results on many surfaces, especially paper
- They are also non-toxic and safe to use, which is crucial for activities that involve pets and children
- White gel pens have the extra advantage of being waterproof and fade-resistant
How To Choose a White Gel Pen
To achieve maximum value for your money, carefully examine the following factors:
Tip size
White gel pens have a tip size that determines the resulting line width and ranges from 0.1mm to 2.0mm. Thicker tip sizes are suitable for use as the principal medium on paper, for highlighting, and for improving the visibility of the written and illustrated works from a distance. Smaller tip sizes are better for adding details.
If you are unsure of the tip size to purchase for your tasks, it is best to err cautiously and select the universal tip size that works for many applications. Tip sizes between 0.4 and 0.8mm are frequently regarded as adaptable due to their wide range of uses.
Drying time
Smearing the ink across the page would be bad because the white gel pen marks are irreversible. It’s preferable to take decisive action and purchase quick-drying white gel pens so you won’t have to stress about waiting for the ink to dry before continuing with your task.
Opacity
White gel pens come with inks that range from translucent to opaque. While the final decision will depend on how you will use them, it is always a good idea to get white gel pens with opaque ink to help them stand out on a dark background.
Grip
Since they are lightweight and require minimal pressure to write, gel pens are usually regarded as the most comfortable type of white pen. It is a good idea to choose gel pens with a rubberized grip at the writing end since it provides a comfortable and ergonomic surface for holding the pen so you can complete all of your projects with ease.
Budget
Even if the item in question is not extraordinarily expensive, pricing is an essential factor to consider. When selecting white gel pens, it’s crucial to carefully analyze the cost and choose the one that closely fits your budget. Acquiring a set is usually smart if you have a limited budget because they offer savings.
Choosing the relatively affordable ones is advisable if you are just starting on your white gel pen adventure. But, if you’re using it for professional and creative endeavors, a more long-term investment may be worthwhile.
Brand
Getting white gel pens from reputable stationery manufacturing companies is crucial as they continually uphold quality standards to ensure that you receive gel pens with smooth and efficient performance.
Refills
There is a likelihood that your white gel pen may frequently run out of ink if you consistently use it. You can make address this issue by purchasing refillable pens.
How To Care For a White Gel Pen
White gel pens’ service life can be considerably increased with a little care. For the best upkeep and maintenance of your pens, follow these simple instructions:
- Read the care and storage instructions carefully, and according to the manufacturer’s advice, store the gel pens horizontally or vertically
- When you’re done using a pen, always replace the cap
- Clean the pen’s tip after each use to remove any residue that could harm the tip
Reviewing Our Favorite White Gel Pen
Sakura White Gel Pen
– Budget Friendly
For those who want to play it safe and choose a reliable and affordable product, Sakura’s gelly roll white gels pens are the ideal option. With the lowest price per unit, it is the most economical option on the list. You can utilize your pens extensively with this collection of six, which comes with two of each size of fine, medium, and bold points. The fact that these white gel pens are made by the manufacturer who developed gel pen technology is another compelling quality. The approved product (AP) seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) indicates that the pens are safe to use.
Pros
- Easy to use for diverse applications
- Vibrant and paint-like results
- Smooth and consistent performance with no skips
- Excellent quality for an affordable product
Cons
- Handling the fine pens can be trickier
Art-n-Fly White Gel Pen
– Superior Design
These white gel pens from Art-n-Fly are proof that high-quality options are available for a reasonable price. This product is a set of three cutting-edge pens with exceptional performance and construction. Each pen has an extra-fine 0.7mm tip for smooth detail and crisp writing and drawing. The free-flowing opaque ink stands out on dark backgrounds and ensures smooth results.
Since the ink is waterproof, archival, and smudge-proof, you can easily use these white gel pens on various surfaces. They also work for a very long time. These pens boast an excellent design and a rubberized grip for an ergonomic hand position. Owing to its user-friendly design, steady functionality, and competitive pricing, this product stands out as the top choice.
Pros
- Perfect for drawing, writing, and mixed media
- Comfortable and non-slip rubber grip
- Quick-drying and waterproof archival ink
- Reliable performance and affordable pricing
Cons
- They often require layering
Uni-Ball White Gel Pen
– Best for Writing
The Uni-Ball White Gel Pens are sold in a set of three. As a premium pick, each pen has a rubber grip that makes it easy and comfortable to grasp when writing, doodling, or drawing. They have strong tips that generate opaque ink with enough width to make the result pop. The ink’s steady and smooth flow ensures no time is lost in having to retrace The ink is acid-free, which allows it to withstand the test of time for gorgeous art.
Pros
- Broad tip for writing and drawing outlines
- Comfortable grip ensures convenient operation
- Consistent ink flow with no gaps
- Acid-free ink for excellent archival properties
Cons
- Slight delay in ink drying time
Pentel White Gel Pen
– Most Comfortable Grip
Are you having trouble finding a gel pen that comfortably fits in your hand and that you can use for hours without feeling fatigued? The Pentel White Gel Pens are the ones for you if you’ve had trouble finding a reliable option. Each pen provides unparalleled user convenience because of its extra-long balanced barrel that fits all hand sizes and latex-free grip. The performance is also predictable with a medium point thickness and smooth gel ink that glides across paper; it can even be used on photo paper. This product also carries a limited lifetime guarantee and is an ACMI-approved option.
Pros
- Noticeable on light and dark colored paper
- Effortless hold for a fuss-free use
- Excellent performance and affordable
- Rich and noticeable pigment
Cons
- Ink dries out quickly if not re-capped
Arteza White Gel Pen
– Most Versatile
The Arteza White Gel Pens stand out as a versatile selection with a range of tip diameters. It comes as a set of three gel pens, two with fine points and one with a medium point for usage in many applications. Each pen has been designed to be easy to hold. The opaque ink produces brilliant results on dark backgrounds. Since it dries quickly, this pick is smudge-proof.
Each pen runs smoothly as it glides over the paper’s surface and is compatible with various media, including gouache, watercolors, markers, and pencils. By switching between different pens and using varying nib sizes, you can give your work additional complexity and refinement.
Pros
- Acid-free, pigmented ink doesn’t fade
- Can be refilled for convenience
- Inexpensive yet consistent performance
- Various point sizes with multi-surface compatibility
Cons
- Not suitable for applications requiring less vibrance
People Also Asked
Q: Why are these pens referred to as gel pens?
A: The pigments and water base of the ink are held cohesively by gelling agents such as xanthan gums and thickeners, which is why these pens are known as gel pens. This imparts a viscous gel-like texture to the ink.
Q: Why is there a clear liquid visible at the tip of my gel pen?
A: Silicone or some other gel with a thicker consistency than the ink gel makes up the transparent fluid at the gel pen’s periphery. It acts as a stopper to stop the gel pen’s volatile white ink from evaporating and flowing out.
Q: What should I do if my white gel pen contains ink but isn’t working?
A: To revive a dried-out white gel pen, there are two tried and tested methods: shake it vigorously or blow air through the ventilation hole. If an air bubble obstructs the ink flow, shaking vigorously and blowing air will help remove it. If shaking does not work, it is advised to soak the cartridge in warm water to liquefy the ink. If you are unable to restore the gel pens to functioning condition despite these alterations, it is recommended that you trash the pen and purchase a new one.
