Pens and the inks they use.

Pens and ink make the perfect partnership. Both needing each other to create a complete product. Different pen types use different types of ink, below are the different inks and the types of pens that they are used in.

The humble ballpoint pens use an ink that is a thicker, paste type ink which is created using a dye solute in an alcohol solvent. This ink is then applied to the paper through the ballpoints rolling ball mechanism at the tip of the pen. The ink relies on gravity and pressure in the chamber for coating the ball.

Fountain and rollerball pens use a dye solute in a water-based solvent. This is a thinner more liquid type ink. The fountain pen uses a nib and a feed system to draw ink from the reservoir through to the paper. The rollerball pen was initially designed to combine the convenience of a ballpoint pen with the smooth "wet ink" effect of a fountain pen.

The newer gel pens uses an ink in which the pigment is suspended in a water based gel. Gel pens are very similar in design to that of a rollerball pen. With the barrel containing the ink reservoir and pen tip, that is covered and protected by a cap. The main advantage of gel inks is that it has a much higher viscosity, which in turn helps to support a higher amount of pigments in the gel.

Inks come in a variety of colours and depending on the type of ink is dependant on the colours you can get. In fact the gel inks can even include metallic and glittery colours. The most common colours are blue and black for most pen types, with red also being very popular for ballpoint pens.

Happy handwriting, in which ever ink you choose…

Caring for your Fountain Pen and its Accessories

Unlike a ballpoint or a rollerball pen, which need little or no attention when looking after them, the fountain pen needs a bit of TLC. This required care is mainly down to the workings of the nib component of the fountain pen.

Cleaning the Nib

In order to keep your fountain pen working at an optimal level, it is recommended to clean out the nib at least once a month. This will ensure good and even flow of the ink. The cleaning is done by ‘flushing’ out the pen by running water through the nib section, until the water runs clear.

If you use a converter, another way to clean out the nib is to fill up the converter with water, as you would with the ink normally, and then to expel the water by twisting the piston in the opposite direction.

Once cleaned you will need to air dry the pen before new ink is put back into the pen. These cleaning methods are also good for when you are changing ink colours in your pen.

Converters

Converters operate using a piston system, which is used to draw up ink into the pen. Filling the converter is done by placing it in the pen, as you would with a cartridge, making sure the piston head is at the bottom. You then twist the top of the converter which in turn raises the piston head and in turn draws up the ink into the converter through the nib which is placed into a bottle of ink.

Ink

Always try and use a good quality ink, as they are designed to keep your pen writing smoothly. Also make sure it is ink designed for use in fountain pens, as some inks contain lacquer that will actually seize up the mechanics of your fountain pen.

Using all the about tips and advice, should help to keep your fountain pen working at its most optimal level.