How to Unclog Calligraphy Pens

Calligraphy pens can get clogged after extended use.

A calligraphy pen is a pen that holds a small amount of ink on its metal nib. The sharp point of the nib is split and when a very light amount of pressure is placed on the point, the ink flows through the split and onto the paper. A clogged calligraphy pen will dispense ink irregularly or it may not allow ink to flow at all. Learning how to unclog a calligraphy pen is an important step in proper pen maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Cup
• Ammonia
• Towel

Instructions

1. Fill a cup with a solution that is 1 part ammonia and 10 parts water.

2. Remove the nib from your calligraphy pen. In some cases, you may simply be able to pull the nib out. For some models of calligraphy pens you may be required to unscrew the nib or to press a lever.

3. Soak the nib in the cup of ammonia and water for 2 to 3 hours. This should loosen and remove any ink that might be clogging the tip.

4. Rinse the nib thoroughly to remove all traces ammonia.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until your calligraphy pen is no longer clogged.

6. Dry the nib thoroughly with a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have just gotten a new nib and it seems clogged, try rinsing it in water and wiping it with a paper towel. Often new nibs come covered in oil to protect them and rinsing and wiping them will clear the oil away.

References

• The Calligraphy Pen: Calligraphy Pen Maintenance
• The Calligraphy Pen: Quick Calligraphy Pen Cleaning Tips