There are still many people who prefer the grace, precision, and personality of fountain pens over disposable ballpoint pens. With fountain pens, you can write with smaller strokes by using a pointed nib rather than a circular tip, and you can vary the width according to your pressure, speed, and direction.
In addition, fountain pens are able to be refilled, so one pen could last you a lifetime. You need to learn how to use a fountain pen differently than you do a ballpoint pen, and once you do so, you will be much more comfortable when writing with one. Read below details for “How To Use A Fountain Pen?”
How To Use A Fountain Pen?
1. The Ink must be installed first
Ink cartridges for fountain pens are usually sealed and uninstalled, so you’ll need to install the cartridge before you can use the pen. Here are the steps:
- In order to locate the ink cartridge, unscrew the grip section of the pen from the barrel. You will likely find the ink cartridge inside the barrel. You can tap your pen firmly on its barrel to dislodge a stuck cartridge if it gets stuck.
- The sealed cartridge end should be inserted into the grip section until it is punctured, and then positioned. In general, seals are narrower than other components (but not always! ), and they may contain either a thin plastic membrane or a metal or plastic ball. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the installation of the ink cartridge on your pen.
- The pen should be reassembled. If the ink doesn’t start writing right away, don’t worry. It can take quite a while for the pen to fully absorb the ink.
When picking out refill cartridges, be sure to check the Recommended Refills list for your pen since not all fountain pens work with the same cartridges.
Some Pens in fountains are useful using bottled ink by using a converter or built-in filling system. Compared to cartridges, bottled inks offer more colors and are cheaper in the long run.
2. Hold On
- There should always be a 45-degree angle between the nib of the pen and the paper as it is held. The pen won’t write properly When held upside down or incorrectly angled.
- It is not necessary to twist the hand in either direction. It is important that you write with both nib tine tips. The ink slit must make contact with the paper to prevent your pen from skittering or stopping altogether.
3. Don’t push too hard
- In comparison to Gel or ballpoint pens, fountain pens require much less pressure to write. A fountain pen can be damaged by Stressed out and won’t work properly.
- It is possible to use certain fountain pens without applyingIn a pressured situation while others require minimal pressure.
4. Don’t forget to cap it
- It’s always a good idea to cap or retract fountain pens when they’re not in use. It will not If you use it again, it will work because the ink will dry out inside the nib.
- The addition of water or scribbling for a few seconds will usually restore the ink to a good writing state.
5. Periodically clean it
- Fountain pens accumulate microscopic dust and paper fibers over time.
- It is recommended that you clean your pen once or twice a month for optimal performance.
6. Paper and notebooks suitable for fountain pens
- Although you don’t have to use them, using fountain pen-friendly paper or notebooks will simplify and enhance your writing experience.
- The ink will bleed through most normal paper, but feathering (when ink spreads out into the paper fibers), and skipping may occur.
- Nowadays, most paper isn’t made with fountain pens in mind, so it doesn’t matter whether it’s good or bad.
- Paper that has been handled a lot or that has sat for a while will not perform as well as fresh, clean paper. Fountain pen inks are often compromised by dust and skin oils.
7. Experiment and Practice!
Fountain pens aren’t the same as that other pens, but they still feel different than the rest at first, which makes them a bit harder to write with than other types. To find out what works the You should consider it, experiment with different inks, papers, and writing styles.
Owning a fountain pen is kind of like having a pet. You will receive an individual pen no matter what model you choose. It is true that some inks work better with certain pens than others. It’s pretty common for some pens to prefer to be held at slightly different angles than others. As a result, your fountain pen will become dearer to you than any other pen, and you may find it challenging at first. The fountain pen you master will keep performing the same way for as long as you want, unlike a ballpoint or rollerball, whose performance changes as they refill.
How to Write with a Fountain Pen?
1. Pencil should be held properly
Put your thumb and index finger together and remove the lid of the pen with your dominant hand. When you press your middle finger against the barrel, you’ll feel the barrel resting in your hand. Stabilize the hand by resting the other fingers on the paper.
- This will facilitate the writing process, as you will not get tired of holding a fountain pen.
- When the cap is attached to the back of the pen, you can remove it completely for small hands.
2. Put the nib on top of the paper.
There are several differences between fountain pens and ballpoint pens, so it would seem simple, but it really is quite a bit more complicated than with a ballpoint pen. Fountain pens have pointed nibs rather than rounded ones, so you have to align the nib on the paper properly in order to write with it. This is known as the sweet spot.
- A 45-degree angle should be formed between the nib and the paper.
- As you glide the pen across the page, try a few strokes, rotating it in your hand as necessary, to find the spot where it writes smoothly and without skipping and scratching.
3. When writing, keep your hand rigid
It is possible to control a pen with two different methods: with your fingers or with your hand. Because a ballpoint pen has a round tip, you can use your fingers instead of your hand to write. To avoid losing the sweet spot with a fountain pen, you need to control it with your hand. Here are some tips:
- You should maintain rigid fingers and wrists when you move your arm and shoulder to move the pen. You should practice a few strokes in the air before starting on paper to acquire the skill of writing by hand.
4. Try not to overdo it
The nib of a fountain pen does not need to be pressed hard against the paper in order to draw up ink, but you do need to press it against the paper. Press softly into the paper with the fountain pen as you write.
- Be careful not to damage your nib by using heavy strokes while writing.
- Using your hand instead of your fingers will also reduce the likelihood of you applying too much pressure.
Some frequently asked questions
As you consider switching from a regular pen to a fountain pen, here are some questions and problems you may encounter.
1. Is a fountain pen suitable for left-handed people?
Definitely! You’ll have to get used to it after a while. Left-handed people should pay much more attention to how they hold their pen and how they position their writing hand. Standard holds can cause the hand to drag through the wet ink and mark it.
Trying different hand positions when writing is recommended by Brian Goulet. Inks that dry quickly can also be helpful.
2. Is my fountain pen required to be “broken-in”?
Probably not. As soon as the ink is loaded into a modern fountain pen, it’s ready for use.
3. When traveling by plane, can I take my fountain pen with me?
It’s fine, but just in case. Air in a reservoir on a flight would expand due to reduced air pressure, causing the ink to flow out, leaving a big old frocket ink stain.
This problem should no longer occur with modern fountain pens. If you have an antique pen or want to be on the safe side, consider removing the ink, and storing your pen in a separate bag.
4. Does my pen work in freezing weather?
Unfortunately, no. The ink in fountain pens freezes because they are liquid-based. If you must write in the arctic, use a ballpoint pen.
5. Do fountain pens allow you to write upside down?
Not at all. Fountain pens require gravity to operate.
Summary
Having confused that old ballpoint away, filled your new fountain pen with ink, and started writing, you are now fully prepared. Your new pen no longer needs to intimidate you, I hope. If you have any fountain pen stories, thoughts, or questions, please leave a comment below!
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