12 Fountain Pen Mistakes to Avoid

Writing with a fountain pen is a better experience than writing with so many other pens. They have amazing ergonomy and the design allows the perfect grip.

But using a fountain pen doesn’t come easy. You’ll make several mistakes when using this pen for the first time. Some mistakes are really common and certainly not affordable.

If you want to retain the writing experience of fountain pens, avoid the mistakes mentioned in this article.

Common Fountain Pen Mistakes

1. Using the wrong ink

Do not use any ink for your fountain pen as all coloured fluids inside an “ink” bottle are not suitable for a fountain pen. Calligraphy inks or Indian inks are completely unsuitable and damaging for fountain pens.

Such inks can clog the feed while ink flow. If you unknowingly used this ink in your fountain pen, you can flush it out by washing the nib and the feed. It is important for you to choose fountain ink for your fountain pens.

There are a bunch of options out there and they are also easy to recognize. The packaging usually says “fountain pen ink” so you wouldn’t be confused.

2. Using the wrong paper

The paper you use is among the most important part of the writing experience. But it is usually overlooked. Most people only look at pen designs and ink.

But they won’t make a difference until the paper you are using is not suitable for writing. If you use recycled paper for writing, the fountain pen ink will spread, feather, and bleed through the paper, making all of it a mess.

When picking the writing supplies, make sure to use fountain pen-friendly paper. Simply a high-quality paper can also work well.

Also Read: How To Clean Your Fountain Pen

3. Using too much pressure on the nib

You can push the nib of your ballpoint pens if you want to. With fountain pens, the more you push the nib, the wider the stroke will get.

While this is a good thing when you are signing papers or making sketches, it may damage the nib. There is a partition in fountain pen nibs and too much pressure may damage the nib or split it into two parts.

Also, if you apply too much pressure on the nib, it might also scratch the paper and cause fatigue to your hand.

4. Not Cleaning Your Fountain Pen

Generally, if you keep writing with a pen and use high-quality fountain pen ink, chances are that you hardly wash the pen. Fountain pens might get clogged or attract dirt over time. Hence, it is important to keep cleaning the pen every short while.

5. Keeping the Nib Upside down When Travelling

When travelling with a fountain pen, it is crucial to avoid keeping the nib upside down. Doing so can cause the ink to flow in the wrong direction, leading to leakage and unwanted marks. It's best to keep your pen upright to prevent any mishaps.

6. Laving an inked pen abandoned in a corner

Do you also keep your pen filled with ink somewhere in a drawer or in a bag and then forget about it?

Leaving a fountain pen with ink inside for an extended period can cause the ink to dry out and clog the nib, leading to poor writing performance. It's best to use and clean your pen regularly and store it in a suitable case.

Also Read: How to Choose a Fountain Pen?

7. Not fully dipping the nib into ink when filling

Many fountain pen enthusiasts forget to completely dip the nib into the ink. This can result in the pen running out of ink quickly, requiring constant refilling.

It's important to ensure that the nib is fully submerged in the ink to ensure optimal ink flow.

8. Being impatient for ink flow after the cartridge is installed

Fountain pens provide an exceptional experience because they teach you to write slowly and smoothly. You have to wait until the ink flows after installing the cartridge.

It's essential to give the ink time to flow to the nib before starting to write. You can make the ink flow to the nib by gently pressing the ink cartridge.

9. Using acetone or alcohol to clean a pen

Using acetone or alcohol can damage the pen's material and harm the nib's performance. It's best to use a dedicated fountain pen cleaner or a mild soap and water solution.

Also Read: Ballpoint vs Rollerball - What's the Difference?

10. Not keeping the pens away from children and pets

It is important to remember that children and pets can also cause damage to the luxurious fountain pen you bought with joy.

The ink can also harm your little ones if they accidentally put it in their mouth. It's important to store fountain pens in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets.

11. Rolling the pen off the table

Rolling the pen can damage the nib and cause leakage, leading to an unwanted mess. It's best to place the pen securely on the table to prevent any accidents

12. Carrying your pen in your pocket with keys

The keys can scratch the pen's surface and damage the nib, leading to poor writing performance. It's best to carry your fountain pen in a suitable case to protect it from any potential damage.

Also Read: How to Properly Store Your Pen Collection?