One of the most useful inventions created to cover mistakes made during typing, handwriting or even markings from photocopying is the correction pen. Get the best correction pens in Singapore and learn about how the fluid in it is made below.

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How is the fluid in your correction pen made?

The most important aspect to a correction pen is the white fluid in it. The fluid can either be applied to paper with the use of a brush or pen. Once the fluid is dried, it becomes a solid film that efficiently covers any errors which allow the correction to be written over it. Typically, the correction fluid is mixed together in large batch tanks and is made up of pigments, polymeric binders, and solvents. Over the years, the formula has significantly improved since its development in the late 1950s.


The first correction fluids were developed due to the fact that erasers did little to remove mistakes from any types of pen. Soon after, the inventors found out that using ink with a similar colour as the paper may ideally cover up any mistakes. However, the first few creations were very low-grade as it did not match the colour of the paper well and also took a long time to dry, making it difficult to write over. It was not until the 1950s where the polymer technology was introduced. The development of the correction fluid showed a slow but steady improvement over the next 40 years.


A formula must first be developed with a group of trained chemists who are knowledgeable about various raw materials. Moreover, the characteristics of the fluid, as well as aesthetic features, are needed to be tested out before finalizing the formula. Various tests are needed to be done such as stability tests, safety test, and consumer acceptance testing.


Many different ingredients are utilized to make the correction fluid. Typically, the main ingredient for it is the opacifying agent. This material that is responsible for covering the errant marking is known as titanium dioxide. Furthermore, it is also responsible for the white pigmentation of the fluid due to its high refractive index and usually, makes up roughly between 40 to 60 percent of the formula.

Additionally, the polymer is also an important material that helps to strongly bond to the paper when it dries. Although it is strong, it is also flexible so that it does not easily crack or flake. To ideally optimize the fluid, other ingredients are added into it.


There are five steps to the manufacturing process that are split into three categories which are compounding the batch, quality control check, and filling and packing.

There is still a range of challenges faced by the developers of correction fluid as certain formulas continuously have a few drawbacks. Water based formulas, in particular, will bleed when utilized with water based inks. Other than that, there are formulation challenges such as producing new colours, reducing drying time, reducing the incidence of product try out and so on.

Check out other stationeries such as correction tapes and erasers.