The 10 tips for a good maintenance of fountain pens
A decalogue for a good maintenance of fountain
pens, extract from the Stipula's experience.
1)Wash your pen every few weeks and whenever changing ink color.
2)Use only cold or tepid water when washing the pen.
Demineralised water will work best (tap water sometimes contains
particles which may clog the feed).
3)Never use hot water, alcohol or solvents as these will damage
the feed or other parts of the pen irreparably.
4)Wash the pen by filling and emptying it with water (repeat
this until the water is clear). If the pen uses a
cartridge/converter, soak the nib section in water for some
hours.
5)If you do not plan on using your pen for a prolonged period of
time, empty and wash it out before storing it away.
6)Avoid using chemically treated paper, which usually has a
slick feel, because it does not absorb ink well and leaves
residues on the point of the nib which might clog the ink flow.
7)If travelling by plane, it is a general rule to follow with fountain
pens to fill or empty them completely and keep them stored
in vertical position with the point upward. This will avoid
leakage.
8)Do not loan your pen to anyone, as the nib adjusts only to
your own writing style (i.e.: pressure and angle).
9)When not using the pen, keep it stored vertically with point
upward to prevent ink from settling in and clogging the feed.
10)If your pen does not write immediately (after not having been
used it for more than a month) the ink has probably dried and
clogged the nib and feed. To restore the ink flow either wash
the nib with water or fill and empty it with ink of same color.
If it does not write yet, wash it with tepid water.