How to Make the Ink Come Out of the Nib of My Calligraphy Pen

Calligraphy pens are sensitive to the angle you hold them at.

Fountain pens used for calligraphy commonly experience issues when it comes to getting the ink to flow through the pen and out of the nib. Ink-flowing congestion typically takes place whenever you have a new pen or a new ink cartridge that is inserted into the pen. When you notice difficulty getting the ink to flow out of the nib, it does not mean that the calligraphy pen is broken. However, it will require you to adjust the way you are holding the pen so that you can find an angle that allows the ink to flow again.

Things You'll Need

• Razor blade
• Warm water

Instructions

1. Apply more pressure to the nib as you press the pen down into the paper. The pressure can sometimes cause the ink to flow out, but be careful to not break the nib by pressing too hard.

2. Change the angle of how you are holding the pen. If you are holding the pen straight down, try slanting it so that it meets the paper at an angle. Keep the nib touching the paper, and move the back of the pen down more as you hold it steady. This will create an automatic slant at the nib.

3. Unscrew the barrel of the calligraphy pen. Examine the ink cartridge. Squeeze the cartridge gently to make sure that the ink is capable of flowing out and that there isn't a clog somewhere in the cartridge. Put the pen back together and test the nib again on paper. If there is a clog or it seems like the ink cartridge is pinched at the bottom, use a thin razor blade to open it up carefully.

4. Dip the nib of the pen in warm water. Lubricating the nib can sometimes cause the ink to flow out properly.

References

• Covington Innovations; A Few Notes about Fountain Pens; Michael A. Covington; November 2009
• Project Wedding; Calligraphy for Beginners; January 2010