In this article, we’ll take a look at the advantages of our favorite gel pens Sakura Gelly Roll and the differences between their various lines.
When did Gelly Rolls first appear?
In the 1980s, the Japanese writing instrument manufacturer Sakura (The Sakura Pen Company) added yet another innovation to its portfolio: the original gel ink pen. The company arrived at this innovation after many years of experimentation and refinement, with the goal of creating a rollerball pen with a wider range of applications.
As with all of Sakura’s best products, the thicker gel ink is waterproof and archival. Consequently, it does not dissolve in water once dry, does not change its chemical composition, and does not fade. For artists, this means that gel pens can be used with watercolor media and that their artwork will retain its colors over time.
The Advantages of Sakura Gel Pens
Gelly Roll combine the body of an ordinary ballpoint pen with rich color and precise line control, without smudging. The density of the line— which, we might say, surpasses that of acrylic markers, for example— is due to the fine pigment added to the ink , unlike that of ordinary ballpoint pens.
The gel ink is thixotropic: it is thick at rest (as seen in the cartridge) and liquefies when in motion, as it begins to flow through the nib via the rolling ball. It combines the best features of oil-based inks—used in standard ballpoint pens—with those of water-based inks found in rollerball pens (which have a more fluid, rich ink and a smooth writing experience). The ink is applied lightly, without smudging, skipping, or bleeding through to the back of the page.
As we mentioned, gel ink is thicker, which requires writing and drawing with slower strokes. By following this rule, we can draw not only on paper and cardboard, but also on wood, smooth stone, fingernails, glass, and other non-absorbent surfaces.
To date, Sakura has developed a total of 128 colors and varieties of gel pens in an effort to satisfy the imagination of artists and crafters of all ages. The various shades and thicknesses are available individually and in sets.
The Gelly Roll Series
Basic
TheBasic series brings together the indispensable white gel pens, which are also sought after as white fine-tip pens. For striking contrasts and highlights, white outlines on colored images, eye-catching black-and-white drawings, writing on black paper, Zentangle, and fine corrections , Sakura offers three tip sizes. Of course, the white gel pen is also available in various styles in the other colored series.
Thicknesses and packaging:
- 05 (with a 0.3 mm line)
- 08 (0.4 mm)
- 10 (0.5 mm)
- 4 white sets
- 2 mixed (white markers, combined with others).
Classic
Whether you want to take notes, keep a journal, use a planner, or compile a glossary, the Classic fine-tip pens are perfect for the job. Most similar to classic colored pens and fine-tip pens, they pair perfectly with text markers for learning through writing. The series consists of a balanced range of primary colors.
- 17 colors, size 06 (0.35 mm)
- 10 colors, size 08 (0.4 mm)
- Available only in limited quantities.
Moonlight 🌙
Moonlight has proven to be a hit among fans of colored gel pens, and for good reason. Standing out vividly on white, colored, and black surfaces, they are the ultimate gel pens and a versatile choice for those who aren’t sure which series to choose. Their main advantage is highlighted by the selection of fresh pastel and fluorescent (glow-in-the-dark) colors. These, in turn, are complemented by a second palette of more earthy shades with a finer tip and predominantly gray and brown tones.
- 18 bright colors, size 10 (0.5 mm)
- 15 earth tones, 06 gauge (0.35 mm)
- 12 sets in total
- 1 mixed set.
Glitter Gel Pens ✨
Metallic
14 colors with a soft sheen, including both classic metallic shades like gold, silver, and copper, as well as simple pearlescent tones. Delicate and refined, the shades are visible on both light and dark paper. In addition to our acrylic and permanent markers , we always offer silver and, especially, gold Metallic markers as an option for a rich metallic effect for cards and invitations.
- 14 colors, size 08 (0.4 mm)
- 5 sets.
Gold & Silver Shadow
Sakura’s latest series is designed for fans of glitter gel pens. It features 10 dual-tone colors that combine silver and gold shimmer with a translucent color base. The metallic finish stands out best on dark paper, while light-colored paper highlights the second color as well. With Shadow, handwriting and calligraphy become even more special. The shimmer can be softened by gently erasing it with an eraser.
- 5 gold and 5 silver colors with
- 0.7 mm thick
- 3 sets.
Author: Martina Petrova
