The Jotted Line

"None of us can have as many virtues as the fountain pen, or half its cussedness, but we can try." - Mark Twain If you've been experiencing difficulty using a fountain pen, you’re not alone. Writing with a luxury fountain pen requires a little finesse. Like any artistic undertaking, you can learn and fine-tune your skill through research and practice. Congratulations on taking the first step! In this article, you're going to learn how to write with a fountain pen, through three helpful steps: Ensuring you're using the correct fountain pen Holding your fountain pen correctly Getting your writing movement right By the end, you'll have gleaned some of the wisdom on the ol' fountain pen. Let’s get started. Step 1: Ensure You're Using the Correct Fountain Pen  Before you learn how to write with a fountain pen, let's make sure you have the right one in your hand. We'll go over five of the essential factors that you need to consider before choosing a fountain pen. Your Handwriting Style If you've got a small handwriting style with tight-knit strokes, use fine nib fountain pens. Image by Michelle Sandlin on Pinterest Your small, compressed characters will be more legible. Ink flow from the fine nib will be a little on the lesser side, so you won't have to worry about ink smearing on your paper. If you've got big handwriting with bold letters and strokes, you need to use broad nib fountain pens. Image by Esther Kim on Pinterest Broad nibs provide generous ink flow. They are best suited for the large characters and strokes of big handwriting. Whether you have the imperious writing finesse of a Victorian gentleman or you new to writing with a fountain pen, there is a fountain pen out there to suit your handwriting style. Learn More: What Are the Types of Fountain Pens   Size of Your Hand  Choose fountain pens according to your hand's size. This will ensure that said pens feel comfortable in your hand. If you have big hands, get girthier fountain pens. Photo by David Travis on unsplash.com If you have small hands, go for light fountain pens with a narrow body. Photo by Every Angle on unsplash.com  The Weight of The Pen The weight of the pen is crucial to how your handwriting will pan out on your paper. Everyone will have a specific fountain pen weight that is right for them. The weight of a pen determines how well it balances and fits in your hand. Ideally you want a weight that feels comfortable and requires the least amount of effort to maneuver when using a fountain pen. If you have big hands, then a heavier and thicker pen will be your best option. Look at this Waterman Expert Fountain Pen. Its barrel diameter is 15mm thick. If you have small hands, then you need a lighter and less bulky fountain pen. Look at this Waterman Hemisphere Fountain Pen. Its barrel diameter is only 9mm thick. Your Writing Speed Fast writers will appreciate a lightweight fountain pen; one that will allow them to glide along the paper's lines while writing. Also consider trying a quick drying fountain pen ink so you don't smear your pen writing as you go. If you're a slow and deliberate writer, you might find yourself gripping your pen too tight. This will lead to muscle fatigue, and you might also tear through your paper. To remedy this, use a fountain pen with a bit more heft to it.  Further Reading: How Do You Write Neatly and Fast?: 4 Key Tips   The Type of Characters You'll be Writing Western alphabets, like that of the English language, tend to have simple shapes. Take the letter 'i' and 'a', for instance. These simple shapes allow writers' hands to slide over the paper continuously while writing. Especially with the cursive style, there is less lifting of the pen from the page as you use a fountain pen.  A broad nibbed fountain pen is best suited for this cursive writing style. It enhances the legibility of the connected letters and words in sentences. Writing like that of Chinese and Japanese have characters that contain many fine details and much lifting of the pen from the page. Fine nibs are the best suited to bring out these details thanks to the thin ink lines they produce. Step 2: How To Hold Fountain Pens Next, there are three key factors to keep in mind when holding your pen to write: Balance Grip Angle Balance the Pen  One way of ensuring your fountain pen is well balanced in your hand is by matching its weight to the size of your hand. The other way is to use the cap of your fountain pen. Now, there are two camps in the fountain pen cap question. Camp 1: Fountain pen users who use their fountain pen cap to provide more balance when writing. They like the cap 'posted' on top of their pen. Photo by Brett Jordan from Pexels  Camp 2: Fountain pen users who feel that their fountain pens are more balanced without the cap. They like their pen caps 'unposted'. Photo by Kyle Johanesson from Pexels You'll know which camp you belong to by writing both with a posted and unposted cap. It won’t take long to work out what feels more comfortable for your hand and writing style. Use the Tripod Grip Hold your pen between your thumb and your index finger. Rest the pen on your middle finger's knuckle. This is the tripod grip. The rest of your fingers should sit on the writing surface. This way, they support the fingers holding your fountain pen while you write. This position allows for smooth ink to flow. When writing, the pen will remain firm in your grip, and your hand will be able to glide fluidly across the paper. Image Source TheSchoolRun videos on Youtube  Hold Your Pen in the 'Sweet Spot'  The 'sweet spot' is the part of your fountain pen nib that allows for the smoothest ink flow to your paper. Ballpoint pens are designed to write from many angles. But writing with a fountain pen requires you to maintain the nib in its ‘sweet spot.’ You'll know when your pen isn't in its sweet spot when it feels scratchy against your writing surface. The ink will not flow well either, and your work will look untidy. To maintain your pen in its sweet spot, hold it at a 45 to 50-degree angle to the paper’s surface. This angle will allow ink to flow unobstructed from the reservoir to the tip of your fountain pen. Step 3: Get Your Writing Movement Right You've learned how to hold your fountain pen. Now we'll look at how you should move your pen on your writing surface. Use Your Lower Arm Muscles While Writing with a fountain pen Most writers use their fingers and flex their wrists to move the fountain pen when they write. This can lead to a hand cramps because the muscles in your hands are relatively small. Solution: write using your lower arm muscles. The muscles in your lower arm are bigger, so they won’t get fatigued as fast as your fingers' smaller muscles. By using your arm to write, you also maintain your fountain pen's posture. You don't rotate the fountain pen as much between your fingers. This ensures your fountain pen nib remains securely in the sweet spot. Don't Press Down Too Hard If you've been using ballpoint pens until now, it's probable that you use quite a bit of pressure when you write. This is because the ink in your ballpoint pen is thicker in comparison to using fountain pen ink. You need more force to displace the ink onto your paper. Fountain pen ink is water-based to allow ink flow from the reservoir to the nib without getting gummy. (A ballpoint pen has oil-based ink). Which means you shouldn't press down too hard when writing. A smidge of pressure on the nib of the fountain pen is all you need to get the ink flowing. Simply allow your arm to guide your pen across the paper. Pressing down too hard on your fountain pen while writing will damage the nib, leaving it aslant. You might also pierce through your paper or leave unsavory blotches of ink on your work. Image by Simply4D tutoriales So far, you've learned how to choose, hold, and write with a fountain pen. Let's now look at where you'll find your perfect fountain pen. Bonus tips for your fountain pen writing As you explore using your fountain pen there are some extra little things that can make the experience even better. Using the right paper Because of the liquid ink, not all paper is made equal when writing with a fountain pen. The thinner the paper, the more trouble you will have with bleeding and feathering (when the ink spreads across the paper instead of sinking in). Try using some paper of different weights and sizes to find what you prefer. Trying out different types of ink You can find fountain pen ink in any color, fast or slow drying, some even change colors as you write or have special shimmers and sheens to them. Related Reading: How to Choose the Right Fountain Pen Ink   Changing out your nib There are fountain pen nibs out there in all shapes and sizes for anything from regular note-taking to calligraphy and drawing. Practice with a worksheet Do a little googling and you can find some really cool, fun worksheets to practice writing with your fountain pen.  Semi regular cleanings Because fountain pens have water-based ink, if they are left uncapped for too long the ink can dry out or leak. All you need to do for this is 1.) keep your fountain pen capped at all times when not in use, and 2.) when swapping out your ink cartridge or refilling your converter do a little clean. Simply run some clean water over the nib and feed if you are using a cartridge, or submerge the nib in a cup of water and draw water in and out of the converter to rinse it. For more detailed instructions, check out my article How to Load and Use a Fountain Pen. Frequently Asked Questions How do you write neatly with a fountain pen? As we've covered a bit in this article, writing with a fountain isn't all that different than writing with any other kind of pen besides having to keep the nib side up. Likewise, fountain pen ink doesn't dry as quick as ballpoint ink, so if you tend to drag your hand across the page, you may accidentally smudge your writing. Writing neatly with a fountain pen might take some practice, but you're really only limited by your own handwriting capacities. If you'd like to improve your handwriting, be sure to check out our article on How to Write Neatly and Fast.  Is it easier to write with a fountain pen? Writing with a fountain pen isn't necessarily easier, but it's also not exponentially more difficult. The only differences are the nib and the ink.  In a lot of ways, writing is easier and more enjoyable than writing with other kinds of pens. Are fountain pens good for note taking? (link note taking article) I find fountain pens to be great for taking notes, and they can help improve your memory recollection because of the inclusion of bodily motion in the act of taking notes.  Be sure to check out our list of The Best Pens for Note Taking. What are the disadvantages of fountain pen? The disadvantages are these: Less ink capacity. Water-based ink can smudge easier. They tend to be a little more expensive than other pens. Some people do not like having to be conscious of the nib's proper position. Get Your Perfect Pen at Dayspring Pens  Dayspring Pens is a dedicated team of professional that specialize in providing you with custom engraved pens for any occasion. We can engrave your name, signature, or logo onto your pen in-house at our shop. Are you looking for a birthday present or professional gifts for your executive team? We'll make sure you get the right luxury pens and personalized customer service to nail the brief. As soon as you order, we'll review your requirements and engrave your new pen with style and precision. We’ll then ship your custom order for free as soon as it's ready. Call us today on 1-888-694-7367 to get personalized help placing your order. As a team, we’re committed to making sure you enjoy the purchasing process, from placing your order to you or your recipient receiving it. We stand out from the rest of the players in the fountain pen market by: Providing you with pens tailored for different purposes Working with different brands to give you more choices Providing free bespoke engraving on every item standard Providing free, fast, and convenient shipping Offering personalized assistance throughout the ordering process Having trouble deciding on the most appropriate gift to get? Reach out, and let’s work together to make the best decision before you buy anything. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

So, how to get a pen to write again? Sometimes, you might need a minute to get the ink started in a brand new pen. Or if you have a pen that you haven't used for the while, the problem and solution can be the same. We have had customers think that perhaps their new pen came without ink in the cartridge, when in fact it was just a matter of getting the pen started. Why does it not just write the moment I first try it? While most of the time the ink will start on first attempt, sometimes they do not. The tip's ball can clog, or the ink can congeal or coagulate. Especially on a brand new pen the cartridge is filled at the factory from end opposite from the tip. It all has to do with how a ballpoint pen works. The pen will not write until it gets wet. That's why you need to wet the ballpoint with ink to make it work going forward. Further Reading: How Do Ballpoint Pens Work So until the ball in the tip wets with ink or until any small air pockets are removed, the pen may not write or may skip. 99.5% of the time the ink cartridge it is not defective, it just needs to be started. Once the pen starts, there will be no further issues. Tips on how to get a pen to write again: Dip the tip in a drop of oil. Cooking oil is fine, any oil will do. Water can also work, but we suggest oil. Let it soak for 5-10 seconds, swirling it around in the drop of oil is best. Scribble vigorously on a piece of paper until the oil absorbs and only ink starts to flow. If it does not start, then soak the tip in oil for 20 minutes and try again. If this did not work, here are additional tips   The video below demonstrates a second way to get a pen to start writing. If none of the above works, then warming the ink just a little can tried. You should remove the refill from the pen before you warm the ink. Warming it can thin the ink or melt a clog, allowing the ink to flow easily. Here is a video. NOTE: We are NOT responsible for any damage to the pen or refill if you choose this method.   The table below summarizes some issues you might face when using a ballpoint pen and their solutions: Issue Solution Pen won't start Shake the pen gently to get the ink flowing  Dry ballpoint tip Draw small circles on scrap paper to encourage ink flow Old or dried ink Soak the pen tip in warm water for a few minutes Air bubble in cartridge Tap the pen gently on a hard surface to release the air bubble Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

There are different types of fountain pen ink, each with unique characteristics. There are some that seem to sheen, some with different shades on paper, and some that last for what seems like hundreds of years. Others have a fantastic shimmer that will leave both you and your readers dazzled. Ink has many uses. While some are great for calligraphy, others are excellent for administrative work that requires a high degree of permanence. Indeed, there are many different colors of ink. Are you a purist who wants the all-time classic and versatile black ink? Are you a creative who wants a more adventurous option? However, whatever your taste and intended use, there’s an inkpot out there for you. And if it doesn’t exist yet, you can mix a batch up for yourself. Saying ink is just ink is like saying that the One Ring is just an accessory for a Hobbit’s finger. This guide aims to teach you all you need to know about the different fountain pen ink types.  By the end, you'll be more informed when shopping for your next refill. Here's what you'll learn in this ultimate guide to the different types of fountain pen inks: The main types of fountain pen inks that are available in the market. The various factors that you should consider when deciding on the kind of ink to buy. Where you should purchase converters for your pens. What Are the Different Types of Fountain Pen Ink? Dye Inks Dye inks consist of chemical components dissolved in water. Dye-based inks are the most widely available of all the fountain pen inks. In comparison to other inks, dye-based inks are quite affordable. It's also easy to take care of your fountain pen when using water-soluble dye-based inks: Firstly, it's highly unlikely for dye-based pen inks to clog up your fountain pen elements. You see, colorants dissolve in water completely. This means there's no sediment left behind to clog up your ink fountain pen. Secondly, in the unlikely case that it does, all you need to do is flush your pen with water and voila! You've solved your clogging problem. Image Source: Goldspot Pens on YouTube Due to the soluble nature of dye inks, however, they are not waterproof. It's easy for your notes to run or smudge when they come in contact with water. Here are the pros and cons of dye-based pen inks:   Pigment Inks Pigment-based types of fountain pen ink consist of fine solid particles of colorants mixed with water. However, these colorants are not water-soluble, and they remain suspended in the water. This aspect of pigment-based inks is why they demand regular cleaning of your pen. However, if left unattended, these solid particles can clog up your fountain pen feed. This obstructs the ink’s flow to your nib. Because of the physical aspect of pigment inks, they offer more permanence. However, the solid particles sit on the paper and bond to the fibers over time. There's no fading on exposure to sunlight, as is the case with chemical dye inks. Here are the pros and cons of using pigment inks with your pen:   Iron-Gall Inks Iron-gall inks are made by reacting tannic acid and iron (II) ions. The tannic acids used in the inks are extracted from the galls of oak trees and other trees. Thus the 'gall' in iron gall ink. When applied on paper, the ink darkens to a deep purple-black color due to the oxidation of iron. It dries significantly darker in the wetter spots. Consequently, this quality gives the strokes on the paper an attractive shading effect. Another revered quality of iron-gall inks is their permanence. When oxidized, iron gall inks become water-insoluble. This insolubility makes them permanent. Permanence is favored for archival projects such as issuing birth certificates. Indeed, many a marriage certificate has been signed using iron-gall inks. If you have one lying around, go have a look at it. Old manuscripts written using iron gall inks have maintained their legibility for centuries. The Miniature Silhouettes at the National Archives are one example.  Cool fact #1: Leonardo da Vinci wrote many of his manuscripts using iron-gall ink. Cool fact #2: The Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest Bible known to man, was written using iron-gall.   A word of caution: Iron-gall inks are acidic. Acid is corrosive. If you decide to use iron-gall inks in your fountain pen, make sure it's the fountain pen you use regularly. Your daily driver. This is because iron gall inks will corrode your pen’s metallic innards if left too long inside there. Make sure to clean your pen using clean water regularly. Here are the pros and cons of using iron gall inks with your fountain pen:   Bulletproof Ink Bulletproof ink is a dye-based formulation. It combines the benefits of both pigment-based and dye-based inks. Bulletproof inks bind with the paper's cellulose fibers to achieve waterproofness. This gives them a high degree of permanence. Because Bulletproof pen ink is dye-based, it requires low maintenance. You don't have to regularly clean out your pen to wash away the solid particles left inside. Other permanent inks are either pigment-based or iron-gall based inks. Both of these have their downsides. For example, iron-gall is corrosive. Pigment inks require you to clean your pen regularly to prevent clogging. Here are the pros and cons of using bulletproof inks in your pen:   Shimmer Inks Most people have shimmer, sheen, and shading mixed up. Sheen is where ink exhibits two different colors when it dries on the surface of your paper. For example, a purple ink might have a golden sheen. A red one might have a purple sheen. How does sheening work? Sheening happens when the ink has not fully absorbed into the paper’s cellulose paper fibers. It sits on the surface of the paper and develops a sheen as it dries. To get the best sheening results, use a wet nib on smooth paper with low absorption. What is Shading? Shading is when ink seems to fade from one end of each of your strokes to the other. The saturation of ink is higher where your strokes begin and end. It will appear faded in the midsection of your strokes. Image by Roman Yakimovich on Pinterest Shading gives your writing a good deal of character. Applications of Shading and Sheening As is the case with sheening, use a low-absorption paper. This will allow your ink to sit on top of the paper's surface for some time. It'll then pool in different sections of your characters’ strokes. This will bring about the desired shading result. Some people love the shading effect. Others find the abrupt transitions in ink intensity very distracting. Shimmer inks are fountain pen inks that have been infused with glitter. Your writing glitters on paper when you use shimmering ink. In formal professional settings, shimmer inks might come off as inappropriate. Use shimmering inks when writing informal letters or jotting down the day's events in your journal. Image by Nick Stewart Ink Art on twitter.com You need to shake your ink bottle well before refilling your pen. This is because the glitter will settle at the bottom of the bottle after a while of stillness. Use a broad wet nib when you use shimmer pen inks to derive a better shimmering effect. A fine dry nib will spread out the glitter too much, and the shimmer effect won't be as noticeable on the paper. Here are the pros and cons of using shimmering inks with your pen: Experiment with shade, sheen, and shimmer to find what works best for you. Scented Inks  These are fountain pen inks that utilize fragrances to add character to your writing. Spice up your letters and journals by using fountain pens with the ink of different scents. Your readers will appreciate the effort. Factors to Consider When Picking Out Types of Fountain Pen Ink Drying Time Due to the high viscosity of fountain pen inks, fast-drying isn't their strongest suit. Depending on the type of pen and paper you're using, you might wait for more than a minute for ink to dry on the paper. If you are left-handed or take lots of notes with ink fountain pens, this may sound impractical. Look for pen inks that dry fast after being applied on paper. Is Ink Waterproof? That moment when you spill tea or some drinking water on your notes. Can you relate? However, you're going to use fountain pen ink regularly, you should take note of its waterproofness. Most inks have a degree of waterproofness. If you happen to get your notes wet when, or after, writing, they will still be legible, although smeared. Some inks are entirely waterproof when dry. These have a high degree of permanence. Color Saturation of the Ink How much colorant is in your bottle of ink? Is the color very concentrated? Is it very diluted? If your ink is colorant saturated, your writing will be dark and vibrant. Your notes will pop out more. If it is less saturated, your writing will have less vibrance. The color will look a bit faded because the water to colorant ratio is off-kilter. The Wetness of Your Ink The wetness of your ink refers to its level of viscosity. While wet inks flow quickly through to your pen nib, dry inks flow slowly through your pen. If your handwriting is small and your characters tight-knit, you should go for a dry ink. Wet ink will make your characters run into each other because they're close to one another. This will make for messy work. However, if you have big handwriting with bold letters, a wet ink will suit you best. The heavy flow will accentuate your large characters and strokes.  Related Reading: How to Choose Your Perfect Pen for Your Handwriting Style   Bottled Ink or Cartridges? Some fountain pen users swear by ink cartridges, and others by bottled ink. To help you decide which one to use with your pens, here are the pros and cons of each:     As mentioned above, some fountain pen companies have proprietary cartridges. This means you can only use their in-house ink cartridges. Cartridges by other companies won't work on your pen. Other companies, however, use Standard International cartridges. These enable you to swap inks between pens from different manufacturers. Some brands also allow you to swap between cartridges from different companies. Here's a guide showing you the type of cartridges used by the major brands: Pen Brand Type of Cartridge They Use • Waterman Standard International • Sailor Sailor • Pelikan Standard International • Monteverde Standard International • Parker Parker or Aurora • Aurora Aurora, Lamy, or Parker • Platinum Platinum • Montblanc Standard International • Lamy Lamy • Kaweco Standard International • Cross Cross • Pilot Pilot Does your pen's manufacturer limit you to only using their proprietary ink cartridges?  Shop Now: Ink pen refills from Dayspring Pens   Get a Good Ink Converter Fountain pen ink converters give you the freedom to use bottled ink. This opens you up to a world of hundreds of ink colors. However, cartridges don't give you this wide a variety of colors. At Dayspring Pens, we specialize in personalized gifts suited for any occasion, and the ink refills that go with them. Buy ink converters that are the perfect pairing to your fountain pen. This grants you instant access to all the bottled ink colors in the world. Contact us for any assistance you may need in making your ink selection. We're happy to help. Featured image: flickr.com Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.