Health & Safety

At the Birmingham Pen Company we take pride in producing exceptional writing and art products used by creators across the country. Safeguarding the wellbeing of our customers, service partners, and employees(someday) is our highest priority. Although we're a tiny operation, our objective is to provide safety resources and product standards comparable to those of larger corporations.

 

Our Commitment to Safety

  • All of our ingredients are sourced from reputable industrial suppliers with a physical distribution presence in the United States.
  • We leverage an independent, U.S.-based Safety Data Sheet (SDS) authoring agency to review our raw materials and produce SDS documents in accordance with OSHA HazCom Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
  • We consider our commitment to safety an ongoing effort with plans to periodically review and update this page along with our SDS documentation to reflect current guidance.

 

How It's Made

We manufacture our inks in small batches using a purified water diluent and fine colorants sourced from established industrial distributors with a presence in the United States. Fountain pen inks are built with a proprietary seven-ingredient vehicle refined over years of testing and development to reliably deliver colorant to substrate. Our meticulously compounded vehicle blend functions as diluent, humectant, lubricant, binder, thickener, surfactant, and preservative—thus ensuring optimal ink performance and longevity.

We've divided our fountain pen ink by property into specialized Formulas, each designed to meet distinct visual preferences and performance objectives.

 

SDS Resources by Formula

Dilution Solution & Monotonic: SDS #10001

Keystone Formula Fountain Pen Ink: SDS #10002

Everlasting Formula Fountain Pen Ink: SDS #10003

Fluorescent Formula Fountain Pen Ink: SDS #10004

Twinkle Formula Fountain Pen Ink: SDS #10005

 

Emergency Contact Information

  • If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, dial 911 right away. (United States)
  • For exposure emergencies that require immediate safety guidance, call 3E Emergency Response at 1-866-519-4752.
  • Reference 3E Emergency Access Code: 59873

 


An Ongoing Effort

This page and our SDS documentation will be updated regularly to reflect the most recent health information and to comply with applicable regulations.

 


SDS Requests

To submit your SDS request by snail mail or email, please contact us.

Birmingham Pen Company  
Attn: Health & Safety
716 Thomson Park Dr.  
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066  
United States  

Email: sds@birminghampens.com

 

 

Ink Handling & Storage

Ink, Paint & Liquid Concentrate Guidance

Follow best practices to maximize the shelf life of your inks, paints, and liquid concentrates. These general guidelines apply to most water-based consumer art products.

 

Store at Room Temperature

Aim for approximately 50–77 °F (10–25 °C). Avoid extreme heat or freezing temperatures, which can degrade the formula and cause separation.

 

Prevent Cross-Contamination

Most spoilage is caused by contamination from air, water, tools, or hands. To extend shelf life:

  • Portion out working volumes instead of dipping directly into the original container.
  • Use clean brushes, pens, and droppers for application.
  • Avoid mixing different products unless designed for blending.

Avoid Direct Sunlight & UV Exposure

Prolonged exposure to light can degrade color vibrancy and quality over time. Store in opaque or UV-protected containers when possible.

Control Humidity & Air Circulation

Excess moisture can encourage mold growth in inks and liquid concentrates, while poor air circulation can lead to condensation inside containers. Store in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Keep Containers Sealed

Ensure lids and caps are fully closed after each use to minimize evaporation, contamination, and drying. For paints and thick liquids, wipe excess product from lids to prevent clogging or hardening.

Shake or Stir if Needed

Some pigmented inks, paints, and concentrates may naturally separate over time. Safely and gently agitate or stir before use to maintain an even consistency.

 

Follow best-practices to maximize the shelf life of your inks, paints and liquid concentrate. These general guidelines are optimal for most water-based consumer products. 

  • Store at Room Temperature
    Aim for approximately 50–77 °F (10–25 °C).
  • Prevent Cross-Contamination
    Most ink spoilage is caused by contamination from air, water, pens, brushes, hands, or other tools. For maximum shelf life, portion out working volumes instead of repeatedly using the original container.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight
    Keep inks away from prolonged exposure to direct light, which may degrade color and quality.
  • Maintain Air Circulation
    Whenever possible, avoid storing inks in basements or other enclosed spaces with poor air movement.
  • Keep Containers Sealed
    Ensure lids are fully closed after each use to minimize evaporation and contamination.

 

If you have any additional questions or if there is more information you would like us to share, please feel free to let us know. We value your safety and satisfaction every day at Birmingham Pen Company.