Writing with a fountain pen will provide you with a pleasurable experience for years to come. A fountain pen will last you for many years, perhaps even generations if it's given the right amount of care. Caring for your pen is not a difficult or laborious process, so read our tips below to ensure you know what to do.

Ideal pressure for writing

The benefit of a fountain pen is that the ink flows when the nib comes into contact with paper, so there’s no need to exert any pressure. Excessive pressure may cause ink flow problems or, worse still, permanent damage to the nib.

Fresh ink

As long as your ink is stored away from direct sunlight with its lid securely screwed on, there is no ‘best before’ date by which the ink must be used. Ink cartridges will also tend to have a long shelf life; though do bear in mind the ink can eventually evaporate albeit over a slow period of time.

Lending your pen

Through extended use, your fountain pen’s nib will adjust to your own style of handwriting so it is not recommended you lend your fountain pen to anyone. Additionally, novices or ‘first-timers’ may not be familiar on how to correctly hold or write with a fountain pen – such as writing from the side or holding the nib upside down. Whilst this may be slightly amusing for a moment, the chances of damaging the nib are extremely high.

Cleaning / flushing your pen - DOs & DON'Ts

Inevitably, fountain pen inks will dry up without continuous use. We recommend you clean your pen at least 4 times a year. To flush your pen properly, do the following:

• Remove the empty ink cartridge and slowly run the nib, filler and feeder under cold water.
• Shake out the excess water and dry the nib with a clean, lint-free cloth
• It’s also recommended to completely wash the cap out and leave overnight to ensure it has fully dried.

Bonus tip: Make sure you flush the pen thoroughly if you decide to change ink colour.

DON’T:

• Use hot water to clean your pen – whilst most modern fountain pens will cope with higher-temperature water some older models will not cope well with it.
• Ever use any form of alcohol – this can corrode the metal materials of the pen.

Storing your pen

It’s always best to keep your fountain pen vertical with the nib pointed up; otherwise it’s possible for ink to gather in the cap of the pen. Your white dress shirts or beige chinos will also be thankful.

If you don’t expect you’ll be using your fountain pen for a week or more it is recommended to flush the ink out with cold water and store it without a cartridge in it.

Our expert pick of fountain pens

Parker IM Brushed Metal Gold Trim Fountain Pen - £14.95

Lamy Studio Blue Fountain Pen - £35.00

Cross ATX Pure Chrome Fountain Pen - £55.00