How to Use a Fountain Pen for the First Time: The Best Technique
Using a fountain pen is much different than using a simple office pen. While it may be exciting to own a fountain pen, it may take some practice before you’re able to write anything with it correctly.
Some may believe that it’s intimidating to learn how to write with the pen, but honestly, it’s not that different from learning how to write in the first place. Once you have the hang of it, you’ll be able to write without any hassle. So, how to use a fountain pen for the first time?
The Best Way to Use a Fountain Pen
1. Inspect the Pen
You won’t be able to use a fountain pen unless it’s in good condition. Even if you’re getting one as a gift or purchasing one online, you’ll want to inspect the pen to make sure that it’s not cracked or damaged.
To do this, hold it up horizontally and make sure that everything is aligned. Check the nib of the pen and see if it’s bent abnormally or if it lies straight. If the pen doesn’t have any damage, you’re ready to start practicing. However, if the pen does have cracks or damage, then you will want to contact the manufacturer for further instructions.
2. Install the Ink
New fountain pens come with a sealed cartridge of ink that is placed outside of the pen. You’ll need to put the cartridge in the pen before using it. We’d also recommend “breaking in” the pen by scribbling a bit and enabling a consistent ink flow.
Here’s how to install the ink:
- Take the grip and unscrew the barrel. From here, you’re going to want to place the ink cartridge into the ink compartment.
- Place the sealed cartridge into the grip and slide the cartridge until you hear a slight click, as this will indicate when it’s punctured. Don’t pull back up on the cartridge or else the ink may leak.
- Put the pen back together and screw on the grip tightly. If the pen doesn’t close, you’ll likely need to get an ink cartridge that is compatible with your pen. It’s not uncommon for some fountain pens not to fit in certain cartridges.
3. Practice Holding the Pen
The first step is practicing how to hold a pen. Grip it like you would a standard pencil, except you’ll need to hold it at a 45-degree angle. Any more or any less can result in the ink flow to clog in the nib. Keep both of the nibs on the paper, or else it will result in a streak of writing that starts and stops.
4. Get the Right Pressure
Most fountain pens require you to put less pressure than your average pen. If you press too hard, you could end up damaging the nibs and causing the pen to break. To use it, slightly press down on the paper and begin to write.
5. Always Cap Your Pen
When you’re not using your pen, keep the cap on. It’s important to do so or else the ink will start to dry out, and you’ll have to deal with cleaning out the fountain pen.
Modern fountain pens come with a retractable nib, which prevents the ink from drying over time. However, if your ink does start to become dry, you’ll need to take steps to clean it or add water back into the cartridge to get the pen working again.
6. Pick the Paper
Using a fountain pen on regular notebooks can result in a bit of hassle because the pen may not write as easily. Using a paper that is designed for a fountain pen can help ease your experience. Regular copy paper or notebook paper may work, but you’ll see ink bleeding through the pages and may accidentally pierce through the page.
Other forms of paper may cause the pen to skip, making the writing to be uneven and show up thicker in one place and non-existent in another. To prevent this from happening, look for paper that is designed to be used with fountain pens or that are thicker than a standard page.
7. Practice Regularly
The best method for learning how to use a fountain pen is putting what you’ve learned to practice. You’ll need to write frequently to learn how to perfect your craft. It may seem confusing at first, but the more often you write, the easier it will get.
Penmanship is always admired and is a talent, which means it won’t form overnight. Plus, every fountain pen writes a bit differently.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning on purchasing a fountain pen or have received one as a gift, it’s best to learn how to write before busting open the package. They don’t feel like traditional gel pens and are easier on the hands. That is why some people tend to favor them.
Don’t let the intimidation get to you, as you’ll surely be pleased with a fountain pen over time. We hope that this guide has helped teach you how to use a fountain pen for the first time.
