My Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Review
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I’ve used many drawing pens over the years, but this Sakura Pigma Micron Pen review will show you why I adore this particular set of pens!
The Pens that Started It All
When I was in high school, I absolutely loved my art classes. I played with wet mediums like watercolors, acrylics, oils, as well as the standard pen and paper methods. I didn’t have many dedicated art materials of my own, but one of my go-to drawing pens was the Sakura Pigma Micron set. I had a variety pack of several different tip sizes, and I used these pens religiously.
Eventually, I went to college and stopped doing art for years. I never got rid of my art supplies because I desperately wanted to do art more and I couldn’t afford new supplies as a broke college kid. Years later, when I started bullet journaling again, I pulled my Microns out of storage. They once again became my steady favorites, even after years without use. Little did I know that these old favorites would be an important part of my journey towards becoming a professional artist.
Where to Find Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
You can find various sets of Pigma Micron Pens in most big box stores like Michales or Target. If you prefer to shop online, you can find a selection on Amazon, Blick, and Jet Pens.
- Precise archival pens create fade resistant, waterproof, bleed free marks for drawing, artwork, journaling, and more
- Includes 10 black ink Pigma Micron pens in point sizes 003(0.15mm), 005 (0.20mm), 01 (0.25mm), 02 (0.30mm), 03 (0.35mm), 05 (0.45mm), 08 (0.50mm), 10 (0.6mm), 12 (0.7mm), and PN
- Pigma Micron ink is pH neutral, quick drying, and approved by ACMI toxicologists; pens have AP certification seal
- Contains single pigment ink for color consistency; pens feature durable plastic body
What I Love
These simple drawing pens are like the Swiss Army knife of my drawing toolbox. They are fantastic for a number of different reasons.
Waterproof & Archival Ink
As a watercolor artist, I need pens that I can use with wet media. A ton of pens will look totally dry and fine on the page, but will immediately bleed when watercolor is applied on top. Not Micron pens, though! The archival quality ink in these pens is bleed and fade-resistant, making them perfect for just about any job.
Various Sizes
A set of Pigma Micron Drawing pens gives you a ton of variety for whatever job you need. The sizes in my set offer 6 sizes, ranging from finest to boldest, respectively: 005, 01, 02, 03, 05, 08. The smallest tip can create minute details, whereas the boldest tip can give thick black lines with a single stroke. I love that I can finetune my line thickness with my Microns.
Longevity
As I mentioned before, my first set of Pigma Micron pens sat unused in storage for several years before I dusted them off to use in my bullet journal. Despite all those years, not a single pen in my set went dry. All of my Microns worked perfectly after all that time. I have bought another set since then because they did eventually start to wear down a little, but only after they gave me years of good use. It feels good investing in a product that you know will last a long time.
What I Don’t Love
There is only one little tiny complaint I have about my Sakura Micron drawing pens, but I thought it was worth sharing just in case it bothers you.
Barrel Fading
After lots and lots of use, I’ve noticed that the printed branding and information on the barrel of the pen begins to get worn away. This isn’t much of a problem for the barrel, but the tip of each pen’s cap has the size number on it so I can easily see it while the pens are in a storage cup on my desk. As these numbers fade away, it becomes slightly more difficult to quickly identify the size of each pen, making me have to look at it up close to confirm I’m grabbing the right size. While this is a minor complaint, it is an area I would love to see improved with this set of pens.
A Staple in My Collection
All in all, I can’t imagine not having my Sakura Micron drawing pens in my collection. I use them for creating structures in my bullet journal, lettering, writing, drawing, and so much more. Every time I travel with a journal or sketchbook, I throw a few fineliner pens into my bag because these pens are an essential part of my creative toolkit. If you want a new favorite set of drawing pens, then look no further than Sakura Pigma Micron pens.
- Precise archival pens create fade resistant, waterproof, bleed free marks for drawing, artwork, journaling, and more
- Includes 10 black ink Pigma Micron pens in point sizes 003(0.15mm), 005 (0.20mm), 01 (0.25mm), 02 (0.30mm), 03 (0.35mm), 05 (0.45mm), 08 (0.50mm), 10 (0.6mm), 12 (0.7mm), and PN
- Pigma Micron ink is pH neutral, quick drying, and approved by ACMI toxicologists; pens have AP certification seal
- Contains single pigment ink for color consistency; pens feature durable plastic body
Hello, Great review and interesting site — so much to explore here! Have you traveled by air with your Sakura Microns? I’m wondering whether they would leak on a flight. Any tips to avoid this?
Pigma Microns markers’ ink is not permanent on glass or plastic surfaces. Since these surfaces are usually smooth and non-porous, it is difficult for the ink to adhere well to them.
1 )What’s the name of the refill ink for the pigma micron pen?
2 ) How much does it cost, and where can I buy it ?
I live in Nigeria, so I have to make provision for a refill before I order them online.
Thanks Shelby.
As far as I know, these pens aren’t refillable, unfortunately! However, if you want to grab a refillable drawing pen, I’d check out the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen. It’s different from these pens in that it’s a bristle brush tip, but it’s easily refillable and very useful for drawing and lettering!
I recently bought Sakura micron pen for the first time, but it got clogged on the first use.
Has it ever happened with you? I would appreciate if you could share some tips on how to avoid clogging.
I also wanna ask if the pen works fine on pencil and watercolors or not?
I’m sorry that your pen wasn’t working smoothly! I recently had a similar issue with a different brand of pen and I was so bummed. I was able to get it flowing again by filling up a glass with hot water, setting the uncapped pen nib side down in the glass, and letting it sit there for 10+ minutes. After it sat in the water, I pulled it out and let it be for a few hours, and when I tried again, it worked.
The best advice I have for keeping your pen from drying out again is to either store it nib side down in a cup or flat in a drawer, but never nib side up! That will make the ink settle away from the nib and contribute to it drying out faster. And yes, my Sakura microns work great with watercolors! However, I always recommend you do a test sheet to give it a try before committing to a full project just to be safe.
I hope that helps!