Nowadays many people tend to use disposable ballpoint pens, but there are still some who prefer the precision, personality and elegant stroke of fountain pens. These models are equipped with a pointed nib and not with rounded tips, thus allowing to obtain a stroke of different width, based on the pressure exerted. In addition, the ink cartridge can be refilled, which means the pen can last a lifetime as well. However, the use of these pens requires a slightly different technique than the ballpoint pens: learning it will help you to write more easily.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Writing with a Fountain Pen
Step 1. Hold the pen correctly
Remove the cap and squeeze it with your dominant hand, gently grasping it between thumb and forefinger. The cylindrical body should rest on the middle finger. Keep your other fingers on the paper to stabilize your hand.
- It is important to hold the fountain pen correctly, as it prevents the hand from getting tired while writing and makes the process easier.
- As you write, you can put the cap on the other end of the pen or remove it completely if you have small hands.
Step 2. Put the stylus on the paper
It might seem like a simple step, but due to the fountain pen's structure it is a bit more complex than when using a ballpoint pen. The writing tool has a pointed nib and not a sphere, so you must position it correctly to be able to write.
- Tilt the pen at 45 ° and rest the nib on the paper.
- Make a few marks, turning the pen slightly with your hand as needed, until you find the point where the nib slides easily without scratching the paper or interrupting your writing.
Step 3. Keep your hand stiff to write
There are two ways to control a pen: with your fingers or with your hand. When using a ballpoint model, you can move the pen with your fingers and not with your hand, because the rounded tip allows you to write in any position. However, with a fountain pen you have to control the movement with your hand so as not to miss the exact point where the nib writes perfectly. Here's how to proceed:
Hold the pen with your hand, keep your fingers and wrist stiff as you move your arm and shoulder to move the fountain pen. First practice drawing imaginary letters in the air, then try to write something on a piece of paper until you acquire the correct sensitivity
Step 4. Apply gentle pressure
When using a fountain pen, you don't have to press hard to spread the ink. Keep light pressure on the paper and start practicing your writing.
- Use a light stroke because if you press too hard, you can damage the nib and alter the flow of ink.
- Writing by moving your hand and not your fingers allows you not to overdo the pressure.
Part 2 of 3: Refill the Ink Tank
Step 1. Determine the fountain pen model you own
There are currently three types on the market: cartridge, piston and converter. The terms refer to three different methods of ink release, which also determine the tank filling procedure, which you will need to follow when you run out of stock.
- Cartridge fountain pens are currently the most common and are also the easiest to refill. To be able to write with this model, you just have to buy the replacement cartridges already filled with ink so that, when you run out of one, you only have to proceed with the replacement.
- The converter system involves the use of refillable cartridges that fit into a cartridge fountain pen. They are ideal for people who have no problem loading these containers and who don't want to throw them out every time the ink runs out.
- The piston fountain pens are similar to the converter ones, but are equipped with an internal filling mechanism; therefore you do not have to replace any reusable cartridge.
Step 2. Change the cartridge
Unscrew the cap from the pen and then remove the central body from the nib. Remove the empty cartridge and insert the new one as follows:
- Insert the small end into the stylus.
- Push the cartridge into its slot until you hear a "click", which indicates that the inside of the nib has pierced the end of the cartridge to allow the ink to flow.
- If the fountain pen does not write immediately, hold it upright to allow gravity to bring the ink to the nib. It may take up to an hour.
Step 3. Fill the reservoir of a plunger fountain pen
Remove the cap from the nib and, if necessary, also the End cap, which is on the opposite end and which often blocks the lever. Rotate the lever (usually counterclockwise) to extend the plunger towards the front of the pen. Subsequently:
- Dip the entire nib into an ink bottle, making sure the hole on the back of the nib is covered with liquid.
- Turn the lever clockwise to suck the ink into the reservoir.
- When the tank is full, take the pen out of the ink. Turn the lever counterclockwise and let a few drops of liquid fall back into the bottle. This way you get rid of the air bubbles.
- Clean the nib with a cloth to remove excess ink.
Step 4. Fill a converter pen
This mechanism can work in two ways, with either a plunger or a bladder system (also called tank compression). To fill a bladed fountain pen, dip the nib into the ink bottle, then:
- Slowly press the cap onto the back of the pen and wait for bubbles to form on the surface of the liquid.
- Slowly release the pad and wait for the ink to be sucked into the reservoir.
- Repeat this process until the pen is fully charged.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Fountain Pen Nibs
Step 1. Choose the right pen for everyday writing
There are many different models and each lends itself to different situations to create unique traits. For daily use choose:
- A rounded nib, which allows you to create uniform lines;
- A fine nib, to create thinner lines;
- A stiff nib, which does not have much flex between the two wings; consequently, these elements cannot spread much even by applying pressure in order to create a wider stroke.
Step 2. Choose the nibs for an artistic stroke
To write in italics, italic italics or with an artistic handwriting, you don't have to use the same nib every day. Search instead:
- A stub or italic nib. Both are wider and flatter than the other models. They allow you to create both wide and thin strokes, because the vertical movement draws lines as thick as the width of the nib, while the horizontal ones are finer.
- A wide nib, which allows for very thick lines. Typically, these fountain pen elements are available in five sizes: extra-fine, fine, medium, wide or double-wide.
- A flexible or semi-flexible nib, which allows the writer to control the thickness of the lines by varying the pressure exerted.
Step 3. Learn about the different nib materials
These fountain pen elements are constructed from a wide variety of materials, each with specific properties. The most common are:
- Gold, which allows a lot of flexibility and allows the writer to control the width of the lines;
- Steel, which is more elastic, which means you can press hard on the sheet without separating the wings. The lines will therefore not be wider by increasing the pressure.
Step 4. Rinse the stylus and power supply
To keep your pen performing at its best, you should wash the nib and power supply approximately every 6 weeks, or whenever you change the type or color of the ink. Here's how to proceed:
- Unscrew the cap and nib to detach it from the fountain pen. Take out the ink cartridge; if it still contains some liquid, seal it with tape to prevent it from drying out.
- Hold the nib under running water at room temperature to remove any paint residue. Afterward, place it in a bowl of clean water with the front facing down. As the water turns ink, replace it. Continue the procedure until the water remains clear.
- Wrap the nib in a soft, lint-free fabric, such as microfiber. Place it in a container with the front facing down and wait for it to dry for 12-24 hours. Once dry, you can put it back on the fountain pen.
Step 5. Take care of the stylus
To prevent clogging, always store the fountain pen with the tip pointing upwards when you are not using it. If you don't want the nib to get damaged or the pen to get scratched, put it back in its case each time.
