More than you would expect. Sakura state that Gelly Roll Metallic writes on light and dark papers as well as glossy and matte surfaces. That takes it past paper and onto gift tags, baubles, coated card and photo stock, which is why this set disappears every December.

Yes, and Sakura say so directly. The ink is opaque, which is the whole point of the Moonlight and Metallic lines. Sakura's own wording is worth repeating though: they specify quality black paper. Black stock with a loose, chalky surface drinks the ink and the result is duller.

Almost always an air gap in the barrel after the pen has been stored nib up or carried loose in a bag. Store them flat or nib down, scribble on scrap for a few seconds, and the flow usually returns. Gel ink also skips on greasy or heavily worked surfaces.

Actually shiny. The ink carries real reflective particles rather than a printed sheen, so the line catches the light as you tilt it. On white paper it reads as a soft shimmer. On dark stock it reads as proper metal, which is the better use for it.

This is what they are best at. Gel ink layered over dry acrylic, gouache, coloured pencil or marker gives you highlights that actually sit on top rather than sinking in. Let the layer underneath dry properly first or the ball will pick up pigment.

Right here. Art Shed Online is an Australian stockist and we ship Australia wide from our own warehouses, with same day dispatch on orders placed before cut off. These come through the Australian distributor, not a grey import, so the codes and the packaging match what Sakura intend for this market.