Pen Care Guide

Caring for Your Writing Instruments

A well-maintained pen can last generations — many of the finest vintage writing instruments in existence are still in daily use decades after they were made. Whether you write with a fountain pen, rollerball, or ballpoint, proper care will keep your instrument performing beautifully and looking its best for years to come.

Fountain Pen Care

Fountain pens are precision instruments with moving parts and fluid dynamics that reward attentive care. Here is how to keep yours in top condition.

Regular Flushing

Flush your fountain pen with cool, clean water every 4-6 weeks if you use it regularly, and always when switching ink colours. For piston-fill and converter-fill pens, draw water up through the nib and expel it repeatedly until the water runs clear. For cartridge pens, remove the cartridge and run water gently through the section (the part that holds the nib). Never use hot water, alcohol, or household solvents — these can damage seals, dissolve adhesives, and strip lacquer finishes.

For stubborn ink residue, a 10:1 solution of water and a drop of clear, unscented dish soap can be used as a flush. Rinse thoroughly with plain water afterwards to remove all soap residue.

Nib Care

The nib is the heart of your fountain pen. Avoid pressing hard — a well-tuned nib writes with virtually no pressure. If your nib feels scratchy, dry, or inconsistent, the tines may be misaligned. Do not attempt to bend or adjust the nib yourself. Contact us at pencare@legacypenhouse.com for guidance, or send the pen to us for professional nib tuning.

Always cap your fountain pen when not actively writing, even for short breaks. Exposure to air dries ink on the nib and feed, which can lead to hard starts and inconsistent flow.

Ink Changes

When switching to a new ink, always flush the pen thoroughly first. Some inks — particularly iron gall formulations and heavily saturated inks — can leave residue that reacts with other inks. We recommend flushing with water until completely clear, then filling with the new ink. Allow the pen to sit for a few minutes before writing to let the new ink fully saturate the feed.

Rollerball & Ballpoint Care

Rollerballs and ballpoints are lower-maintenance than fountain pens, but a few simple practices will extend their life and performance:

• Always retract or cap when not in use. Rollerball tips dry out when exposed to air, and ballpoint tips can collect lint and debris that affect ink flow.
• Store horizontally or tip-down for rollerballs to maintain consistent ink delivery to the tip. Ballpoints are less orientation-sensitive but benefit from horizontal storage.
• Replace refills before they run completely dry. Running a rollerball on an empty refill can damage the tip. We carry genuine refills for all major brands.
• Clean the exterior with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For lacquered finishes, avoid chemical cleaners — a microfibre cloth and a breath of moisture is all you need.

Storage

How you store your pens matters as much as how you use them:

• Pen cases and rolls: Individual sleeves or rolls in soft leather or microfibre prevent pens from rubbing against each other and scratching. We recommend cases with separate compartments for each pen.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged UV exposure can fade resin colours, degrade rubber seals, and discolour lacquer finishes. Store your collection in a drawer, cabinet, or closed case.
• Temperature and humidity: Extreme heat can cause ink to expand and leak; extreme cold can thicken ink and make pens sluggish. A consistent room temperature environment (18-24°C / 65-75°F) is ideal.
• Orientation: Fountain pens should be stored nib-up or horizontally. Never store a filled fountain pen nib-down, as gravity can cause ink to pool in the cap and leak.

Travel Tips

Travelling with fine writing instruments requires a little forethought:

• Air travel: Changes in cabin pressure can cause fountain pen ink to expand and leak. Either fly with a full pen (less air inside to expand) or an empty pen. Half-filled pens are the most likely to leak. Store the pen nib-up in your breast pocket or in an upright position in your carry-on.
• Use a protective case: A hard-shell pen case protects against bumps, drops, and crushing in luggage. Leather rolls work well for carry-on bags.
• Carry refills separately: If travelling for an extended period, bring spare refills or a small bottle of ink in a sealed bag to prevent spills in your luggage.

When to Seek Professional Service

Some issues are best handled by a specialist. Contact us at pencare@legacypenhouse.com if you experience:

• A nib that skips, railroads (writes with a split line), or feels scratchy despite proper cleaning
• A piston mechanism that feels stiff, grinds, or fails to draw ink
• Cracks in the barrel or section, particularly near threading
• A clip that has loosened or bent out of shape
• Lacquer chipping or tarnishing on precious metal trim

We offer in-house repair and restoration for many common issues and can arrange manufacturer service for warranty and complex repairs. Many repairs are completed within 5-7 business days.