How To Activate a Fountain Pen
What is Fountain Pen?
A fountain pen is a writing instrument that uses a metal nib to apply water-based ink, or special pigment ink -suitable for fountain pens- to paper. It is distinguished from earlier dip pens by using an internal reservoir to hold ink, eliminating the need to repeatedly dip the pen in an inkwell during use.
How To Activate a Fountain Pen
Insert the ink cartridge into the open nib section pushing down until you hear a click. When the cartridge is inserted give it a few light squeezes and then shake the pen nib facing downwards until you get a few drops of ink flowing. The pen should now start writing for you. Do a few test writings at this stage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a fountain pen to work?
If you think your fountain pen has dried out because of clogging, the first step is to try flushing it with warm water. The best way to do this is by unscrewing the pen, removing the cartridge and pouring warm water into the feed and through the nib to flush out any hardened ink or sediment.
How do you use a fountain pen for the first time?
Try these tips.
- Post your cap. Posting your cap, or putting the cap on the end of your pen, helps to make the pen feel more balanced as you’re writing.
- Hold your pen at the correct angle. Fountain pens should be kept at a 40 to 55-degree angle on your writing surface. …
- Use less pressure than you’re used to. …
- Use your arm.
Why is my fountain pen not working?
Whether is is a new or used pen it may be writing dry due to a clogged or partially clogged feed system. New pens can come with sediment in the pen while the ink in used pens can dry over time clogging the feed system(it is best to clean out fountain pens when they are not being used).
Why is my new fountain pen not writing?
The ink cartridge has a seal that must be broken to allow the ink to release into the feed. If this has not been broken the ink will not flow. Try “priming” the ink. With the nib downward squeeze the ink cartridge forcing ink through the pen.
How do I prepare my new fountain pen?
PREPARING A FOUNTAIN PEN FOR FIRST USE
Simply fit the ink cartridge into the pen and squeeze the cartridge hard until you see some ink come out of the tip. If you are using a fountain pen converter, turn the screw part of the converter anti-clockwise and force some ink out from the tip.
How long do you soak a fountain pen?
Let the nib soak in the water for about 15 minutes. Empty the glass of water, fill again with clean, clear water. Insert your nib into the water and repeat until the water remains clear.
How long do fountain pens last?
With proper care and maintenance, good quality fountain pens should last at least 10-20 years. Some more expensive instruments can last 100 years, making them fantastic family heirlooms for future generations. How long a fountain pen lasts also depends on the pen’s materials.
Should I clean fountain pen before first use?
When you first get a pen it’s a good idea to just flush it a couple of times with clean water before you ink it up.
How do you test a fountain pen?
The best test of the way a pen writes is filling it with ink, blotting it, and then writing for several sentences. Only then will you have a feel for the factory-set ink flow.
Why is my fountain pen light?
Sometimes running the barrel of the pen under warm to hot water for several seconds may help to get the ink going, or, just keep writing and pressing down in circular motions- maybe making a few swirly patterns. But if none of that helps ? The ink has probably dried up. Just toss it out + get a new one.