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7 FOUNTAIN PEN MISTAKES TO AVOID
A fountain pen is so much more than a simple writing tool. It is an elegant and personal accessory that needs care. To get the most out of your fountain pen and extend its life, here are some essential points to take into account and techniques to follow on a daily basis.
Do you wish to keep your Ecriture or Haute Ecriture writing instrument in good condition? From the choice of ink to the type of paper you should use and maintaining your pen, Caran d'Ache reveals its best tips to avoid certain common fountain pen mistakes.
1. NOT USING YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN
As an instrument with a fragile nib, fountain pens are objects that we love but aren't always confident using, from fear of damaging them. This is how customized fountain pens that mean a great deal to us can end up stored away in a drawer and only brought out on special occasions.
A classic mistake is to prefer using a graphite pencil or a ballpoint pen for everyday writing, when in fact your fountain pen is a writing instrument that needs to be used regularly so that the ink inside it doesn't dry up, and the feed does not block the flow of ink through the nib.
✅ Take your fountain pen with you wherever you go and don't hesitate to use it for your everyday note-taking. Tucked away in your work bag or in your pocket it will be safe and within easy reach.
2. USING THE WRONG PAPER FOR YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN
This might seem surprising, but choosing the wrong paper can also affect the way you use your fountain pen. Your handwriting can be altered by the thickness or the grain of a piece of paper that is not adapted to fountain pen ink. You should therefore be particularly attentive to your choice of paper when you use your fountain pen. The quality of the paper can have an impact on the quality of your pen stroke, the way your fountain pen slides on the paper and the readability of your handwriting.
If your paper is very smooth it can affect its capacity to absorb the ink, while rough paper might make the ink spread out. It’s important to consider the paper’s thickness to avoid the ink going through the paper and also bear in mind that the paper’s ability to absorb the ink will affect the time it takes to dry.
✅ We recommend choosing a paper with a grammage of 90gsm as a good balance between absorption capacity and your fountain pen’s drying time.
3. PRESSING DOWN TOO HARD ON THE NIB OF YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN
While the tip of a ballpoint pen or a rollerball pen is set, the tines or nib of a fountain pen, even the strongest ones, can widen depending on the pressure you apply when writing. One of the common mistakes that are made with fountain pens is to press down too hard on the nib. This will damage your fountain pen and it can affect your handwriting.
By pressing down on the nib, you also run the risk of changing the tip. Fountain pens are designed to slide smoothly on the paper without needing to exert excessive pressure. A damaged fountain pen nib must be replaced so that your fountain pen can work.
✅ Hold your fountain pen lightly and write your letters delicately to preserve your writing instrument and keep it longer.
4. CHOOSING THE RIGHT INK
While inks for rechargeable fountain pens may seem alike, they are not adapted to all fountain pens. Using the wrong ink can cause blockages, affect the flow of the ink and in certain cases damage the pen's internal mechanism. Opt for an ink specifically conceived for fountain pens and research the refills or ink converters that are compatible with your model of pen.
✅ Always check that the ink is compatible with your fountain pen. You will be guaranteed to have not only even and flowing handwriting but will also extend the life of your pen.
5. NOT CLEANING YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN'S NIB
As with any other tool, fountain pens need regular maintenance. Not cleaning your fountain pen’s nib can lead to dirt building up, blockages and an uneven distribution of ink. To guarantee flowing handwriting, it is recommended that you regularly wash your fountain pen in warm water. Never use alcohol or acetone, as these solvents will damage your fountain pen.
✅ Clean your fountain pen with warm water and, if necessary, a gentle cleaner designed for fountain pens.
6. NOT TAKING CARE OF YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN
Dropping your fountain pen, losing its cap or scratching the nib: accidents happen! Lending your fountain pen to friends or children is also best avoided, as you run the risk of getting back a damaged nib that's been deformed by somebody else's handwriting. Repeated knocks can also damage the delicate tip of your fountain pen or even break the barrel. If your fountain pen falls on the floor, look over it carefully before using it again.
✅ When you're not using your fountain pen, keep it safe in, a box or an adapted pen case.
7. STORING YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN WITH THE NIB DOWN
Taking your fountain pen and carrying it with the nib pointed downwards can lead to ink leaking or a buildup of ink in the nib. This can stain your clothes or your bag. To avoid these unpleasant events, always position your fountain pen in a vertical position with the nib facing upwards when you're on the go.
✅ If you regularly carry your fountain pen around, remember to replace the cap correctly by screwing it onto the barrel. If you're wearing a suit, fix it to the pocket by using the pen's clip on the cap.
Your fountain pen is a unique and delicate object. To keep it for as long as possible, learn to look after it with care and adapted, daily maintenance.
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(Calls from Switzerland : at local rate. Calls from abroad : at telecom provider’s international rate.)
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