Compare 10 ml vs 20 ml vs 38 ml Fountain Pen Ink Bottles (When to Size Up) — Ferris Wheel Press Skip to content
10 ml vs 38 ml vs 20 ml: A Collector’s Guide to Sizing Up Your Inks

10 ml vs 38 ml vs 20 ml: A Collector’s Guide to Sizing Up Your Inks

Choosing the perfect ink bottle size is a delightful rite of passage in the Ferris Wheel Press universe. Each bottle—whether petite, statuesque, or whimsically ornate—holds more than ink. It holds possibility, personality, and the promise of a new creative chapter. But when should a beginner (or an emerging collector) confidently size up?

Today we explore the differences of the 10 ml ink pots, 38 ml Everyday Inks, and 20 ml FerriTales bottles—each crafted with its own charm, purpose, and story—so that you may select the vessel that best suits your writing rituals.

Add 10 ml to try

Meet the Ink Bottle Trio

10 ml – The Charming Traveller & Perfect First Date

The 10 ml bottle is your elegant, low-commitment entrée into the world of fountain pen inks. Petite yet distinctive, it’s designed for exploration, experimentation, and whimsical spontaneity.

Choose 10 ml when:

  • You’re trying a new colour family
  • You want to test shading, sheen, or shimmer before investing
  • You enjoy rotating many colours seasonally
  • You’re a new fountain pen user discovering your style

Why collectors love it:

  • It’s adorable. Let’s be honest.
  • Perfect for building a palette quickly
  • Ideal for mixing, travel, and desk curations

Add 10 ml to try

Or explore FerriTales minis:
10 ml FerriTales

38 ml – The Iconic Workhorse & Colour Story Keeper

The OG Ferris Wheel Press bottle, beloved for its elegant silhouette and unmistakable brass cap, is for those who have fallen fully in love with a shade and want a longer-lasting relationship.

Choose 38 ml when:

  • You’ve used (and finished) a 10 ml and know it’s “the one”
  • You write frequently and require staying power
  • You’ve embraced a signature colour
  • You’re building a cohesive collection for your desk

Why collectors love it:

  • It feels luxurious on display
  • Perfect balance of size and longevity
  • Excellent daily-use capacity
  • The bottle shape is practically decor

When to size up: Once a colour has entered your regular rotation—and you can’t imagine your journal without it.

20 ml FerriTales – The Enchanted Artifact for the Story-Driven Collector

The 20 ml FerriTales bottle is where whimsy, art, and storytelling converge. Smaller than the 38 ml but crafted with ornate detail and themed illustration, it is designed not just to be used but to be treasured.

Choose 20 ml when:

  • You collect by theme or narrative (FerriTales, seasonal releases, fantasy lore)
  • You want a display piece that sparks conversation
  • You prefer specialty inks for headings, quotes, spreads, or special pages
  • You enjoy shimmer, unique pigments, and colour-shifting magic

Why collectors love it:

  • The packaging is art in itself
  • Each bottle contributes to a greater narrative world
  • Perfect for selective, intentional use
  • A wonderful mid-size between playful 10 ml and commitment-ready 38 ml

When to size up: If you routinely use FerriTales inks in your creative spreads, mood trackers, or thematic journaling rituals.

How Long Will Each Bottle Last?

Here’s a whimsical, real-world guide based on average daily writing:

Bottle Size Approx. Use Best For
10 ml ~1–2 weeks of everyday journaling Trying colours, rotating palettes
20 ml ~1 month of creative use FerriTales spreads, headers, special pages
38 ml ~2–3 months of consistent use Signature colours, favourite shades

Actual mileage varies depending on nib wetness, writing habits, and enthusiastic doodling.

When Should You Size Up?

Size up from 10 ml to 38 ml when:

  • You’ve emptied (or nearly emptied) the mini
  • You can picture the colour on every page
  • You use it for work notes, journaling, or school
  • You simply adore how it behaves on your paper

Size up from 10 ml to 20 ml when:

  • You want more room to play with shimmer and FerriTales specialty inks
  • You’re building a themed collection
  • You adore the FerriTales packaging and narrative worlds

Size up from 20 ml to 38 ml when:

  • A FerriTales colour becomes your everyday shade
  • You’d like more ink before the edition runs out
  • You want both a collectible piece and functional longevity

Which Size Should You Choose Today?

If you’re still deciding, choose the size that matches your mood:

  • Curious? 10 ml
  • Committed? 38 ml
  • Collecting stories? 20 ml FerriTales

Begin by exploring the 10 ml palette to find your favourites:
Add 10 ml to try

Or discover enchanted FerriTales minis:
10 ml FerriTales

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