Why Maintenance Matters
A fountain pen is a precision instrument with tiny channels and a delicate nib. Regular maintenance prevents dried ink from clogging the feed, keeps the nib writing smoothly, and protects materials like resin and metal from degradation. A well-maintained pen will last generations.
Monthly Flush
Every 4-6 weeks (or whenever you change ink colors), flush your pen with lukewarm water. Disassemble the pen, draw water through the nib section using the filling mechanism, and repeat until the water runs clear. Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling and inking.
Seasonal Deep Clean
Once per season, do a deeper clean. Soak the nib section in a solution of one part ammonia-free dish soap to ten parts lukewarm water for 2-4 hours. This dissolves any stubborn ink residue in the feed channels. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Storage Best Practices
Store inked pens nib-up in a pen case or holder. Never leave a pen unused with ink for more than 2-3 weeks — either flush it or use it regularly. Protect from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight, which can fade barrel colors and dry ink.
Nib Care
Never press hard when writing — let the weight of the pen do the work. If your nib develops a baby's bottom (skipping at start of stroke), a nibmeister can fix this in minutes. Gold nibs are self-lubricating over time and will adapt to your writing angle, creating a uniquely personal writing experience.
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