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.
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 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.
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.
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