Using a fountain pen is a work of love, which requires a passion for writing and for the words themselves. The result varies depending on the size and make of the pen, the type of ink and even the paper you use. If you feel ready to try this precision tool, remember that it may take some practice, as it is different from common ballpoint pens.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Holding a Fountain Pen
Step 1. Keep the pen balanced
Depending on the size of your hand and the size of the pen, you may have some balance and weight problems when holding it. Experiment by inserting the cap on the bottom and removing it. The pen is usually more balanced when the cap is on, but the feel can vary from person to person.
Step 2. Grab the pen with your dominant hand
Gently squeeze it between your thumb and index finger, then slide it towards the end of the index finger. Use the base of the hand - including the ring and little fingers - to stabilize it on the paper. Do not exert pressure on the paper that prevents you from making free movements.
Do not grab the pen at the bottom. If you place your hand towards the end you could alter the correct writing angle and ink flow
Step 3. Rest the body of the pen on the lower knuckle of the middle finger
It is a similar position to what most people use. If you have the impression that the middle finger tends to guide the stroke or to over-tighten, rather than just serving as a point of support, move the end of the pen closer to the V-intersection formed by the meeting of the thumb with the rest of the but no.
It may be more convenient to place the pen closer to the end of the middle finger, beyond the knuckle
Step 4. Hold the pen at an angle of 40-55 degrees to the paper
The correct angle is very important, because it allows the wings to move away from the feeder, thus allowing the ink to flow. Poor ink flow is usually due to an incorrect angle.
- Remember that each fountain pen requires a slightly different angle to separate the wings from the power supply. You will learn to recognize it with practice.
- Some nibs have been modified to accommodate angles between approximately 35 and 90 degrees.
- The feel will be different than that of a ballpoint pen, which is designed to write at different angles (including vertical). Conversely, a fountain pen in a vertical position does not exploit the total width of the nib (the tip of the pen).
Step 5. Keep the nib level with the paper
It is preferable not to swing sideways as you write. It is possible that the ink flows from different angles, but each pen has a precise point from which it flows best. In the event that the nib is raised or positioned at an abnormal angle with respect to the sheet, the writing with the fountain pen may be irregular.
Part 2 of 3: Writing with the Fountain Pen
Step 1. Avoid using your hand muscles
Start by sliding the tip of the pen across the paper and between the lines by moving your arm sideways. Most people have the habit of writing with the muscles of the hand, controlling the movement of each stroke that is traced. If you use the large arm muscles to control the stretch, in addition to applying more constant pressure, you will avoid feeling fatigue in your fingers.
- To slide the pen across the paper, focus mainly on using the shoulder muscles. Practice writing imaginary words in the air.
- The wrist should remain fairly steady.
Step 2. Minimize the pressure
Unlike ballpoint pens, which often require some pressure, the fountain pen doesn't need as much. In fact, to work at its best, zero pressure is theoretically required: pressing too much on the pen can even ruin the nib and affect the ink leakage.
Step 3. Do not rotate the pen
It should come automatically once you pick up a fountain pen, however some people get into the habit of rotating the pens or pencils to find the perfect point or the sharpest side. This habit does not help with such a pen: rotating it will change its alignment with the page and could cause it to scratch on the paper.
Step 4. Practice doing single strokes
Using your arm muscles to write with a new technique could cause fatigue and discontinuity in writing, so it's wise to start with the basics. Draw lines, circles, spirals and the letter X, repeating the strokes for several lines or pages, until you get used to the use of the pen. The goal is to obtain fluid letters, equally spaced and uniform.
At the beginning it might be useful to practice using different types of lines, gradually narrowing the letters until you reach the classic single line
Step 5. Write a sentence
After practicing single strokes, drawing complete sentences can be an added challenge. If you have the impression that the nib is scratching on the paper you have to try a different angle, make sure it does not rotate sideways as you write, or check that you are using the correct muscles. Adjusting these aspects will allow the ink to flow freely and will prevent you from scratching on the paper.
Part 3 of 3: Getting the Writing Materials
Step 1. Purchase an inexpensive fountain pen
It can cost around 20 euros, while a high-end pen can even go up to 1000 euros. Start with a pen with a removable cartridge.
Try different nibs. Most pens have the option to swap the nib to try thinner and wider tips. There are 5 different types of nibs: extra fine, fine, medium, wide and extra wide
Step 2. Use new ink, which is not damaged
If the ink is several years old, has been exposed to sunlight for a long time or has mold, it is best not to use it. In case it is used, be sure to mix it evenly to dissolve any lumps. The black ink is more likely to occlude the nib, as it contains gum arabic.
Waterman, Sheaffer and Pelikan inks are more diluted and elastic
Step 3. Purchase a lined paper package
Lines will help you produce smooth letters and strokes; for this reason some recommend the use of a first grade lined notebook. As you get used to the pen and the size of your writing, you will be able to move on to sheets without lines.
Use paper that has not been chemically treated: this type of paper does not absorb ink as well and you may therefore leave spots with the nib
Step 4. Sit in a comfortable chair in front of the desk
The precision required by writing with a fountain pen may initially tire your hand, so it's best to feel as comfortable as possible. The secret is to let the hand and arm move freely.
Advice
- Clean the pen, in case your technique is good but the ink does not come out. Immerse the nib in distilled water after removing it; rinse it well and let it dry before putting it back.
- Clean the pen after use, if you don't use it frequently, because the ink can dry out and damage its mechanisms.
- To avoid clogging the nib, be sure to always put the cap back on the pen when you are not using it.
