Uni Pin Fineliners Review
Quick Verdict
Reliable, affordable fineliners with archival pigment ink. Excellent value for artists who need consistent, waterproof lines.
- Best for
- Technical drawing, illustration, manga, watercolour under-drawing
- Price range
- Budget-friendly, typically £8-12 for a set
- Key strength
- Consistent line quality and waterproof ink at a budget-friendly price
- Main limitation
- Tips can wear on textured paper; limited colour range
Overview
Uni Pin fineliners from Mitsubishi Pencil Co. have established themselves as a dependable choice for artists, architects, and illustrators. The pens use water-resistant pigment ink that produces permanent, fade-resistant marks suitable for archival work.
What distinguishes Uni Pin in a competitive market is the combination of consistent performance and accessible pricing. These are professional-quality tools that do not require a professional budget, making them popular among students and hobbyists as well as working artists.
Pros and Cons
- Archival pigment ink that is waterproof when dry
- Consistent line quality from start to finish
- Good selection of nib sizes in one set
- Reliable ink flow without skipping
- Tips can wear down with heavy use on textured paper
- Limited colour range compared to some competitors
Ink Performance
The archival pigment ink is the standout feature. Lines dry quickly and become fully waterproof within minutes, allowing artists to add watercolour washes or alcohol markers without disturbing the line work. The ink flows consistently without skipping or blobbing.
Colour density is good, producing solid black lines that reproduce well for scanning and printing. The ink does not feather on most papers, though highly absorbent surfaces may produce slightly softer edges.
Lightfastness is strong, making these pens suitable for artwork intended for display or sale. Work created with Uni Pin should maintain its appearance over years without noticeable fading.
Nib Quality
The plastic fibre tips produce clean, consistent lines at their stated widths. The nib material has a slightly firmer feel than some competitors, which many artists appreciate for controlled mark-making with consistent pressure.
Tip durability is good on smooth papers. However, textured or rough surfaces will wear the tips faster, potentially affecting line quality over extended use. For work on Bristol board or smooth sketchbook paper, expect the pens to last through several projects.
The range of available sizes covers most illustration needs. Having a set spanning 0.1mm to 0.8mm provides sufficient variety for both fine detail work and broader strokes.
Who It Suits
Uni Pin fineliners suit a wide range of artists. Illustrators working in ink and watercolour benefit from the reliable waterproofing. Technical artists and designers appreciate the consistent line weights. Manga and comic artists find them practical for both pencilling and inking stages.
The accessible price point makes Uni Pin particularly suitable for students and hobbyists who want professional-quality results without significant investment. For daily practice and sketching, these pens offer excellent value.
Artists requiring extremely fine lines (below 0.1mm) or extensive colour options may need to supplement with other brands. However, for core black line work, Uni Pin covers most requirements effectively.
Alternatives to Consider
Sakura
Sakura Pigma Micron Set
The original archival fineliner that set the standard for the industry. Pigma Micron pens deliver precise, permanent lines that remain crisp for decades. A favourite among professional illustrators and comic artists worldwide.
Mid-range, typically £10-15 for a set
Check priceFaber-Castell
Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Set
Premium artist pens that combine archival India ink with a range of tip options. The brush pens are particularly popular among urban sketchers for their expressive line variation and waterproof finish.
Mid to premium range, £15-30 for sets
Check priceFrequently Asked Questions
Are Uni Pin fineliners waterproof?
Yes, Uni Pin uses archival pigment ink that becomes waterproof once fully dry. Allow a few minutes for the ink to set before applying water-based media. This makes them suitable for watercolour over ink techniques.
What nib sizes are available?
Uni Pin fineliners are available in 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, and 0.8mm. Sets typically include a selection of the most popular sizes. Brush tip versions are also available.
How do Uni Pin compare to Pigma Micron?
Both use archival pigment ink and perform similarly for most applications. Uni Pin tends to have slightly firmer tips that some artists prefer for consistent pressure. Pigma Micron offers finer tip options down to 005. Price and availability often determine the choice between them.
Can I use Uni Pin on any paper?
Uni Pin performs well on most papers but works best on smooth to medium-textured surfaces. Very rough or absorbent papers may cause the tip to wear faster and can produce less crisp lines. Standard sketchbook paper and Bristol board are excellent choices.
Final Thoughts
Uni Pin fineliners deliver what artists need: consistent, waterproof, archival-quality lines at a reasonable price. They may not offer the finest available tips or the widest colour range, but for core illustration and drawing work, they perform reliably and represent excellent value.
For artists building a pen collection or seeking dependable everyday tools, Uni Pin deserves serious consideration. The combination of quality and affordability makes them a practical choice for both learning and professional work.