Get ready to explore another inky gem with our latest review: Endless Drops of Mars ink review! Inspired by the captivating and mysterious allure of the Red Planet, this ink brings a unique blend of rich, dusty red tones that are sure to elevate your writing experience. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the characteristics that make Endless Drops of Mars a good ink choice—whether you’re curious about its shading, flow, or how it shows up on paper, we’ve got all the details you need. Join us as we dive into the depths of Mars and see if this ink deserves a spot in your collection!
Learn More About the Ink Maker: Endless
Endless has been introducing more new products recently. Endless Stationery is the maker of the new Endless Alchemy inks including Drops of Mars ink.
Today’s Featured Ink: Endless Drops of Mars Fountain Pen Ink
Endless Drops of Mars ink is a medium red (I’d describe it as a bold “true” red although I’ve heard some note that there’s a very, very slight pink undertone). And, of course, as we mentioned above, the color is inspired by the Red Planet (and has one of the coolest names I think they could have possibly come up with for a Mars-inspired ink).
The Ink Series: Endless Alchemy Collection
The Endless Alchemy Collection introduced a new ink bottle based on an intriguing idea (more on that below in the bottle/packaging section), as well as 4 ink colors. Each of the colors in the Alchemy Collection pulls inspiration from something that can be seen as alchemy related. Read on for the full review test results, and get ready to be charmed because this ink collection is completely enchanting.
Other Products You May Notice Us Using Today:
- Pilot Iro-Utsushi Medium Dip pen
- Rhodia lined paper
- Cotton swabs
- Paintbrush
Endless Drops of Mars Ink Review: Test Results
What Type of Packaging and Ink Bottle Do They Use?
The Endless Alchemy Collection introduced an interesting new idea with their ink bottle. Shortly after the initial release, Endless made an adjustment and came out with a re-release of the same four inks in a similar, but smaller ink bottle. The inks now come in 45 ml glass bottles with a two-sided cork base that can keep the bottle upright. (Originally the bottle was 60ml). The unique bottle design can spin on the cork base without ink spillage (you do have to pay attention to what you’re doing), and the cork base also enables you to set the bottle upright. The Drops of Mars ink comes in a beautifully designed red themed box (indicative of the color of the ink inside) that coordinates with the other inks int he collection.
How Did Endless Drops of Mars Ink Perform in the 1-Dip Test?
During the 1-Dip Test, we dip a dip pen in the ink once and see how far it can write on paper. Drops of Mars ink was able to write all three lines on paper with plenty of ink left over on dip pen.
How Fast Does Endless Drops of Mars Ink Dry?
We conducted a dry test and saw a dry time of about 10 seconds, which isn’t bad considering the bold, vivid nature of this ink color.
Did the Ink Bleed Through on Paper?
We saw no bleeding during our review (using Rhodia paper).
Was There Any Feathering Evident During the Drops of Mars Ink Review?
We saw no feathering while we tested the Drops of Mars ink. (Again – we were using Rhodia paper).
How Does Drops of Mars Ink Stand Up to Water?
We put Endless Drops of Mars ink to our standard water test during our review. For the test, we put down a writing sample, let it dry (about a minute), and then run a wet cotton swab over the writing. Here’s how the Drops of Mars ink responded:
- Significant running/smearing
- Did not bleed through paper
- Significant feathering
- Fading of the ink lines
- Line distortion (the ink lines seemed to “swell up” and get thicker after exposure to water
- The deep red ink turns pinkish after water exposure
To put it simply, Endless Alchemy Drops of Mars ink is not waterproof or water resistant, and, in fact, does not respond well to exposure to water. However, it’s not supposed to, so we won’t hold that against it for general use purposes.
Does Endless Drops of Mars Ink Have Any Shading Traits?
During our ink review, we saw Drops of Mars ink show off a variety of shades, with the deep, cosmic red slowly transitioning from a slightly faded/almost matte red to a bolder, significantly darker red that makes this ink stand out on the page. There are no visibility issues with Endless Drops of Mars ink.
Does Drops of Mars Have Any Sheen or Shimmer Properties?
We didn’t see a sheen with Drops of Mars ink during our review, but there was a light black/brown luster showing up around the edges anywhere the ink pooled heavily. It was most visible in the ink droplets, but you may see something similar when writing with larger nib sizes. It wasn’t a major component of this ink though, and I wouldn’t say it should come into play as a characteristic to consider.
Final Conclusion: Endless Drops of Mars Ink Review
After reviewing the ink, I’d say this is a great red fountain pen ink. It’s a solid, true red that shows up really well in writing on the page which makes it very usable. It doesn’t hold up to the water test, so no swimming while writing or journaling with Drops of Mars. Additionally, you get the bonus of a unique, interesting (and fun) ink bottle. Look for more info on Endless Alchemy Drop of Mars ink and all your other favorites at PenChalet.com.
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Thanks for sharing this information! I have no specific ink to suggest, but creating a post of inks that are water-resistant and relatively fast drying (30 seconds?) would be super helpful.
I’ll see what I can do!
Thank you for your review of Endless drops of Mars. I enjoy using red/orange inks, and so Mars-themed inks are often of interest to me. As for a review suggestion though I am currently obsessing over finding inks that have distinct red and black components. Like a black with a red luster, or a red that has black glitter, etc. In fact, right now I can’t find a black ink with a distinct red sheen at all. So any reviews of such inks would be very interesting to read. Thanks!
You’re welcome – I’m glad you found the Endles Drops of Mars ink review interesting. And I definitely find your ink review request intriguing. Let me do some digging and see what I can come up with…
Nice red ink! I’d love to see a review on some green/brown inks that say “forest” without being super green!
I could probably come up with something for you there! Let me see what I can do.
I’m new to the fountain pen community and honestly first time reading a fountain pen blog. I’m in love with the level of detail
Welcome to the fountain pen community! So glad you’re enjoying it, and so glad you love the review. We try to be as helpful as we can. 😀
Candy Sea & Mystic Forest are definitely in my wishlist now, man they look gorgeous!
This collection is a lot of fun; it’s a great set (and I DO love when they tempt me with creative names).
All the Endless inks are great, but Candy Sea is my fave! Love that red flash, it shows up on every paper, with every pen!
Candy Sea does have a LOT of fans!
Very in-depth & informative review! Thank you so much for the valuable insight!
You’re so welcome – glad it was helpful.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been interested in all four of these inks, and I know they have some other colors coming out soon. Looking forward to more reviews!
You’re so welcome – glad you enjoyed it!