A fountain pen offers the best writing experience and will make you want to write more, which is just what we need in these days of digital distraction. Imagine all the amazing things you can write!  

If you’re just starting with fountain pens, the process of getting them going can seem a little daunting. This guide covers how to get a fountain pen started, what inks to use with which pens, how much ink they hold and how to refill them, and the different types of nibs available.

Fountain Pen 101

A fountain pen uses water-based ink to write. Compared to other types of pens, fountain pens offer a few key benefits. They usually have a more luxurious feel and writing with them can be much smoother. They can also last longer than other types of pens and they are better for the environment too.

Fountain Pen Benefits Over Other Types of Pens

When it comes to the debate of fountain pens vs. other types of pens, there are a few key benefits that fountain pens have over other models: 

• They produce a more consistent line of thickness, which makes them better suited for calligraphy and drawing than a regular ballpoint pen
• They come in a wider variety of colors and styles than other types of pens
• They can be used with different types of paper, including rice paper and parchment
• Fountain pens are also a great way to add a touch of luxury to your writing. Compared to other pens, they often have a more expensive look and feel, and offer a more luxurious writing experience.

Things to Note Before Getting a Fountain Pen

When figuring out what type of fountain pen to go for, there are a few things to consider:

Nib Sizes

The size of the nib (also known as the tip) on the pen will determine how thick or thin of a line it can produce. The larger the nib, the thicker line it will make and vice versa.

Fountain Pen Ink

There are a few different types of fountain pen ink to choose from, each with its unique benefits. Fountain pens can use either cartridge ink or bottled ink. 

Cartridge ink is easier to use and doesn’t require any extra equipment, but bottled ink offers more color options and a wider range of prices.

If you plan on using a fountain pen for everyday writing, it’s best to go with a standard black or blue ink. For more creative tasks, you can opt for many other types of inks available that can give your writing a unique look and feel.

Ease of Use

Choose a pen that’s comfortable to hold for long periods. Some pens have wider or narrower grips, and some are heavier than others. Find one that’s comfortable for you to hold and write with.

Paper Type

Some papers are more fountain-pen friendly than others, so it’s important to choose a pen that will work well with the type of paper you’re using.

How to Get a Fountain Pen Started the First Time?

Once you’ve chosen the right fountain pen for your needs, it’s time to get started. 

Here’s what to do:

• Choose a good quality ink that is designed specifically for fountain pens – this will ensure smooth writing and prevent clogging of the nib
• Check that there is no ink in the nib or feed of the pen

• Ensure the nib is aligned correctly with the feed of the pen. If it’s not, you can adjust it yourself or take it to a professional to get fixed
• Fill up your fountain pen cartridge with ink using an eyedropper or ink converter, and pump it a few times so the ink will flow from the cartridge to the nib. To do this, hold the pen with the nib pointing downwards and pump it up and down a few times until you see the ink start flowing from the nib.
• If you’re using a cartridge, gently insert it into the pen and then use an eyedropper or syringe to draw ink from the ink bottle up into the reservoir of your choice
• Make sure the pen is capped when not in use to prevent ink from drying out

Now that your pen is filled, it’s time to enjoy your new writing instrument. Hold the pen at a slight angle and apply light pressure as you write. Be careful not to press too hard or else you may damage the nib. Experiment with different angles and speeds to find what works best for you.

Be sure to clean your fountain pen nib regularly with filtered water after each use and before storing it away for future use. 

How to Fix Common Fountain Pen Issues?

Although fountain pens are generally quite reliable, some occasional problems may occur. Here are a few of the most common ones and how to solve them:

Heavy or Light Ink flow

If your ink flow is either too heavy or too light, you may need to adjust the pressure when writing. Alternatively, try using a different type of ink.

Ink Clogging the Nib

If your ink is clogging the nib, you will need to clean it more regularly. This is done by dipping the pen in some diluted dish soap and then rinsing it off with water.

Nib Scratching the Paper

If the nib is scratching the paper, adjust the angle at which you are holding the pen. Alternatively, you may need to replace your nib with a new one.

Conclusion

Fountain pens are an excellent tool for writing and drawing. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles to meet your personal needs. 

With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to produce beautiful writing with ease. So go out and get yourself a fountain pen today and start enjoying the unique look and feel they provide!