Types of refueling systems
There are three types of fountain pen refilling systems:
- Cartridge. The manufacturer produces a small container of ink that is inserted into the pen. This type is the most common due to practicality of use, but the cartridge is disposable, and to avoid problems, you need to stock up on them in advance.
- Piston converter. Such a system must be refueled independently. The peculiarity of the piston converter is that it is reusable, but the method is also less practical, since you need to buy ink and special accessories separately.
- Disposable system. There are fountain pens in the budget segment, and most often they cannot be reused, since there is no possibility of replacing the cartridge or refilling.
A fountain pen
What to do if your fountain pen doesn't write? Typically, inexpensive items suffer from this problem, while exclusive hand-built models are less susceptible to such malfunctions. But occasionally problems arise for them too.
If the new pen writes intermittently and with a slight squeak, this is a break-in problem, exactly the same as with a ballpoint analogue. The pen needs to be painted, and this takes time and patience.
But what to do if the problem does not disappear over time? Most likely, the problem is the factory lubricant that has clogged the feeder channels. Occasionally, tiny metal shavings may end up there. In case of this problem, it is recommended to rinse the pen:
- Disassemble the mechanism.
- Rinse under running water to remove the ink. Use only cold water, as hot water can deform some parts.
- Soak the feather for 1-2 hours in clean water.
- Dry the handle. The procedure will take from 12 to 24 hours.
- Assemble the mechanism.
Also, washing a fountain pen should be done if it has not been used for a long time and there is a risk that the ink has dried out. If the pen malfunction cannot be resolved by washing, you should contact customer service.
How to fill and sign?
A fountain pen can be refilled in several ways. Let's take a closer look at the refueling options, taking into account the design features.
Method 1
If you have a piston converter, then disassemble the pen, tilt the refill towards the ink and rotate the piston counterclockwise. Then dip the pen in the ink and scroll the device clockwise. This will allow the ink to be absorbed into the container. Then, without sticking out the pen, unscrew the piston cap slightly until a drop of ink appears from the pen. This must be done to bleed out excess air. Then screw the structure and wipe the handle with a dry cloth.
Method 2
The piston filler functions similarly to the converter. Disassemble the handle and turn the filler counterclockwise. Dip into the ink and make a reverse turn to pump in the liquid. Release the air and assemble the structure.
Method 3
The cartridge system option is the simplest. Disassemble the pen and remove the used cartridge from it. Insert the new system until it clicks and paint the pen until the ink appears.
How to use a refueling converter
There are several types of converters that differ in their operating methods. Let's look at how the structures work and how to refill them.
Piston rotary converters
The rotary converter is refilled by lowering the pen into the ink and sucking it into the tank using a rotary mechanism.
Piston converters with rod
This type of system resembles a syringe. First, squeeze out the remaining air and liquid from the piston by pressing on the lever. Then we dip the pen into the ink container and pull the piston handle towards ourselves.
Pipette converters
Classic filling system. The ink reservoir is made of rubber, and to fill the ink you need to disconnect the channel from the pen, press on the base of the structure to release excess air, and drop the ink into the can. As soon as you stop squeezing the piston, the desired liquid will flow into the converter.
Built-in piston system
The built-in system has a more complex design, but with it you will not get yourself or your pen dirty. There is a branch from the piston with a small channel. To refill the pen, you need to insert it into the ink container.
Converterless and cartridgeless system
In budget models you can see a simple handle system. It does not have converters or cartridges, and the ink is already filled in the body. Such a mechanism cannot be refilled; ink often leaks out through microcracks in the connections.
How to clean dried ink from a fountain pen
If you haven't used a pen for a long time, then the ink in it may have dried out. However, this is not a reason to throw away the tool, since it can be revived. Disassemble the structure and rinse under running water to remove any remaining ink. Do this until the water runs clear when it comes out of the handle. Then place all the parts on a towel for 2 hours to dry. If the ink is difficult to wash out, then place the design in a container with warm water for 5–8 hours.
If you have a Parker with a cartridge, then there is no point in washing out dried ink. You can fix the problem by installing a new device.
How to clean a fountain pen. Questions and answers
When you buy your first fountain pen, there is a lot you need to know! In particular, how to clean it.
This article is dedicated to answering the most popular questions from those who are purchasing a fountain pen for the first time.
Can I use different colored inks after the original ink in the pen runs out?
Yes, you can. And that's half the fun of using fountain pens!
Make sure you are using water based ink. (Special water-based inks are developed for fountain pens.) Mascara is made from carbon, a particulate matter (usually soot) that will clog the pen and ruin it.
How should you clean a fountain pen? How to remove old ink?
Handles after washing with running water. If you just rinse the pen, you won't get all the ink out.
Handles 30 minutes after rinsing with running water. You can see that the wide nibs continue to release ink.
The feather must be separated and washed in cold water. The water pressure you push through the pen washes away the ink. You can flip the handle over and wash it in the opposite direction. Rinse the pen several times until the water is completely clear.
Don't kid yourself, you're not done yet.
If you just hold the pen upside down, there will still be ink above the nib, as you can see in the photos. There is a special reservoir that is made to store excess ink and prevent the pen from leaking in a vertical position.
You need to place the pen upside down on a folded paper towel and touch the towel with the tip of the pen. You will see how the capillary effect works, what happens when you write with a fountain pen. The liquid is drawn into the reservoir, and the larger the pen tip, the more ink it will absorb.
If the pen continues to leave marks, repeat the rinsing process until the paper towel is clean. Only water should remain on it without traces of ink. You can simply wrap the handle in a towel for 30 minutes until the handle is completely dry.
Even if you use the same color ink, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the pen tip if you use a small converter or cartridge for refilling. The reason is very simple: the water that is part of the ink evaporates, and the solid particles remain and clog the converter. All solids must be removed otherwise they will clog the reservoir and ruin your pen.
The ink is quite thick, how can I thin it? Is this due to poor quality ink or due to improper refilling of the pen?
Any water-based ink becomes thicker over time as the liquid evaporates, leaving behind solid particles. This is especially noticeable if you use the pen for a long time. If the pen has not been used for several months and has been permanently capped, you will likely find problems with the ink when writing.
How to clean the fountain pen converter and cartridge? Can I use any special chemicals?
Special products dissolve dried solid particles, after which it is necessary to rinse the handle. It is best to use such products as rarely as possible, once every few months. Plain clean water is much safer for a fountain pen. You can buy a chemical cleaner for particularly difficult feathers, but it is better not to use it.
Cartridges can be cleaned using syringes if you are comfortable using them.
Cleaning pen converters
You can wash the converters with water. Make sure that the pen is completely empty of ink, remove the cartridge and wash the inside of the pen first.
You can do this in two ways.
- Rinse the handle in clean, cold water, moving it back and forth, moving water in and out, using the turning mechanism on the handle body
- If you don't have the patience, disassemble the pen completely and wash all parts under running water. It is best not to use strong pressure, because a powerful jet can damage the seal ring.
Shake the pen while holding the ring, pour out the water and repeat several times until the ink stops flowing and the water is completely clear.
When water gets behind the seal, it mixes with the old ink, which can cause mold. If you use a pen that has been damaged by mold, the ink may bleed and leave thick, unsightly lines. The converter spreads mold all over the inside of the handle, making it very difficult to clean.
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— The cost of engraving one pen — The cost of engraving for wholesalers — Examples of work — Models recommended for .
You have been preparing for the upcoming celebration for a long time and have spent a lot of time and effort searching for the perfect gift -.
Any Waterman rollerball pen can use a ballpoint refill or a fiber refill from .
Waterman Since its founding in 1883 by Lewis Edson Waterman and the invention of the first fountain pen.
Compliance with operating rules is necessary to maintain all the advantages and qualities of writing instruments.
Waterman Product Warranty Terms This warranty is provided by Waterman and applies to all .
Service center for maintenance and repair of Parker and Waterman pens: Moscow, Stoleshnikov lane, 11 (4th floor, office.
In this material we will introduce you to the translation of FAQ (Questions and Answers) from the company’s official website.
The ballpoint pen is the most common writing instrument around the world. Schoolchildren and students write to her.
Today, many people practically do not write by hand: the proliferation of personal computers and smartphones leads to.
Despite the fact that modern Waterman fountain pens most often come with convenient cartridges, fans of the .
Fountain pens may have gone out of fashion, but they remain stylish. Author: Epoorva Sripathi, Indian journalist. .
Waterman is one of the most famous and respected manufacturers of writing instruments in the world. Trademark .
How to properly store a fountain pen
The lifespan of a fountain pen will depend on how much care you take for it. Regardless of the design and ink, it needs to be washed and cleaned from time to time, since with intensive use the nozzle can become clogged with paper particles.
The main factor influencing cleaning is the type of ink. To avoid problems with color and drying out, it is recommended to use ink from popular brands that specialize in the production of this same ink. If you fill your pen with the wrong liquid, you risk ruining it forever.
How to clean dry ink from a fountain pen
Leather items and furniture are very popular. Items made from this material are pleasant to the touch and practical. But unforeseen incidents happen, especially when there are children in the family. These are spots and designs made with a ballpoint pen. Leather sofas often attract the attention of children and make them want to use them instead of canvas. And this is not surprising, because there is a lot of space for drawing, and if the furniture is also white, then joy knows no bounds. Sometimes people put pens in their jacket or bag pockets and forget about them. The fountain pen is detected only when the ink has already flowed out and left a dark stain. Housewives run around the shops looking for products to wash ballpoint pens from leatherette or leather. Shopping often doesn’t produce results, but it drains your wallet. And the question of how to clean a handle from a leather sofa remains hanging in the air.
How to refill if there is no ink
It is not recommended to use substances other than original ink, but if you urgently need to refill your pen, then use the following materials.
Is it possible to refill with stamp ink?
Refilling your printer with printer ink will be the last thing you do for your pen, since non-fountain pen inks contain glycerin and take a long time to dry. The stamp ink is absorbed deeply into the material, so it will be very difficult to clean the piston in the future.
Also, such ink has a thinner consistency, which can lead to smudges. When writing on paper, the paint will take a long time to harden, so you will often smear the text. This method should only be used as a last resort.
Is it possible to refill mascara?
The microparticles of ink are larger than those of ink, so the pen will quickly clog. In addition, the ink dries quickly, and after a few hours your pen will stop writing. It is also almost impossible to wash it off, since modern mascara has a moisture-resistant effect. This option is ineffective and useless, and you risk ruining the pen.
A fountain pen costs a lot of money, especially if it's a Parker. To ensure it lasts as long as possible, clean and rinse it regularly and use only appropriate ink and designs.
