Pen Care
The whole point of owning a fountain pen is that it should be a joy to use — not another thing to worry about. With just a little care, your pen will last a lifetime.
There’s a lot of advice out there, but if you follow these simple tips, you’ll be absolutely fine.
🖋️ Storing Your Pen
Always store your pen in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
- Store it nib-up in a vertical position, or horizontally on a flat surface
- Never store nib-down — gravity will draw ink through the feed, which can cause leaks or long-term damage
If you're travelling, use a pen case, and ideally:
- Either fully empty the ink
- Or fill it completely (this helps prevent leaks from air expansion)
If you won’t be using your pen for 2–3 weeks or more, it’s best to empty and clean it first. Most fountain pen ink is water-based, and over time it can evaporate and leave residue that may clog or damage the pen.
💧 Cleaning Your Pen
A monthly clean will keep everything flowing smoothly.
If your pen is older than 18 months, it likely uses a push-in converter that also accepts standard international cartridges. Newer pens use a screw-in converter system, and are not compatible with cartridges due to the narrower aperture.
Here’s the cleaning process:
1. Empty the pen of any remaining ink
2. Unscrew the nib section from the barrel
3. If your pen uses a push-in converter (older models):
- Remove the converter by pulling it from the nib unit
- Flush with warm water by drawing and expelling several times until the water runs clear
- Soak in clean water for an hour, then flush once more
4. If your pen uses a screw-in converter (current models):
- Unscrew the converter from the nib unit
- Clean it as above using the draw-and-expel method
5. Soak the nib section in tepid water and rest it on a paper towel to dry
6. Rinse the barrel if needed (warm water only — no soap or cleaners)
7. Let all parts dry fully before reassembling and refilling with ink
✨ That’s it
Nothing complicated. Just the kind of low-effort maintenance that keeps your pen in great shape and ready to write whenever inspiration strikes.
If you ever have a question or you’re not sure about something, just drop me a message at info@rocksterpens.com — always happy to help.