Fountain Pen Care and Maintenance

 Thank you for investing in a CarlyBlue Woodcraft fine writing instrument! Each of our fountain pens is individually hand-turned on a lathe, meticulously polished, and carefully assembled to ensure a lifetime of smooth writing. Because fine writing instruments are an investment, proper care will keep your fountain pen performing perfectly for generations. Below is our master guide on how to fill, prime, clean, and maintain your new pen.

FOUNTAIN PENS REQUIRE BASIC KNOWLEDGE TO PROPERLY FUNCTION

Unlike ballpoint pens you must learn to properly use and maintain fountain pens. A good way to begin is to establish a general understanding how fountain pens work. In the simplest of term ink travels from a sealed container (cartridge or converter pump) through a hole then into the feed. The feed has a thin groove on top which carries the ink to the feed fins and then to the tip of the nib. When the nib touches paper the ink is drawn to the paper by capillary action and flows from the feed fins which are replenished from the feed groove which is replenished from the sealed ink container. As more ink is used a vacuum is created in the sealed ink container which is relieved by “gulping” an air bubble from the hole in the nib. The ink in the feed wings and under the nib are held in place by a combination of water surface tension and molecular attraction and the vacuum in the sealed ink container. The nib and feed go into and are held by the section.

💧 1. Choosing Your Ink Delivery System: Cartridge vs. Converter

Your CarlyBlue Woodcraft fountain pen is highly versatile and accommodates two different ink delivery systems:

• Standard International Cartridges: The easiest, mess-free option. Simply push      the small end of the cartridge firmly into the grip section until you feel  it puncture and snap into place.
• Ink Converter (For Bottled Inks): Your pen includes a twist-action converter. Insert the converter into the grip just like a cartridge. Submerge the metal nib entirely into your ink bottle, then slowly twist the top knob of the converter to draw ink up into the chamber. Wipe any excess ink off the nib with a lint-free cloth.

Note: Never use traditional calligraphy ink or India ink in your fountain pen. These contain shellac and acrylics which will permanently clog the feed.

 🖋️ 2. Preparing and Using a New Fountain Pen - Priming First

Whether you are using an ink cartridge or the converter pump the fountain pen must first be primed with ink. Ink must be in the feed groove, in the feed wings, and under the nib before the fountain pen will write properly and continuously.

• Cartridge: Insert the open end of the cartridge firmly onto the nipple inside the back of the section. Now you must prime the pen. There are two methods. The first is to squeeze the cartridge so ink comes out of the tip of the nib. Clean the nib and under the feed with a tissue; write a few words to test the pen. It should write. If not squeeze again but harder. The second method is to screw on the pen the section, nib and feed assembly and then quickly snap the pen down hard so ink comes out the front of the nib. Clean the ink from the nib and under the feed with a tissue. Test and repeat if the pen does not write.
• Converter Pump: Insert the open end of the pump firmly onto the nipple in the back of the section. Turn the black ridged piston handle very gently counter clockwise until the piston is at the bottom (open end) of the pump. Dip the nib entirely into your inkbottle and then turn the piston handle clock wise to draw the ink up into the pump. Clean the nib and bottom of the feed with tissue paper. The pen is now automatically primed and writing can begin.

🧼 3. How to Flush and Clean Your Pen

If your pen is skipping, writing dry, or if you are changing ink colors, it’s time for a simple rinse. We recommend cleaning your pen every 4 to 6 weeks.

1. Disassemble: Unscrew the barrel to expose the inside. Remove the ink cartridge or converter.
2. Rinse the Nib: Run room-temperature tap water through the back of the grip      section until the water running out of the metal nib looks completely clear.
3. The Converter Flush: If using a converter, draw clean water up into it and twist it back out repeatedly until no ink residue remains.
4. Dry Thoroughly: Gently tap the nib onto a paper towel. Let the grip section sit nib-down in a cup lined with a paper towel for a few hours to completely dry out before re-inking.

Warning: Never use hot water, rubbing alcohol, or harsh household chemicals, as they can permanently damage the fine metal components and feed.

✨ 4. Caring for the Wood & Resin Body

The body of your pen has been brought to a deep, lustrous shine using specialty finishing and buffing techniques.

• Avoid Extreme Heat: Do not leave your pen on a hot car dashboard or in direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can warp the wood or compromise the finish.
• Wipe Down: Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth to wipe away fingerprints or oils after heavy writing sessions.