Whether you found this article fresh from your email notification or your browsing and the algorithm led you here, we’d love to give you a warm welcome to the world of fountain pens!
If you’re new to fountain pens, you may have many questions, and it can be overwhelming to a beginner.
Some of us may be too shy to ask a question that may have a quick and simple answer, so we go to Google to find out how, and now, here we are.
In your search about how fountain pens fill with ink, one of the popular setups is using cartridge/converter fountain pens with an ink cartridge.
What is a Fountain Pen Cartridge?
Before we share our beginner’s guide, let us first describe what a fountain pen cartridge is.
To the untrained eye it may seem like a random piece you don’t know about. This is especially true because an ink cartridge for fountain pens is specialized equipment specifically designed for their use.
It’s a small capsule filled with fountain pen ink and then sealed. These capsules are made of disposable plastic and often come in a pack of as many as three (3) to 12 cartridges or more. Depending on the brand, a cartridge for fountain pen ink can hold between 0.7 ml and 1.5 ml.
While you can find that there are short cartridges used for the portable mini or pocket fountain pens (typically under 125 mm when capped) and longer cartridges for regular-sized fountain pens (between 130 and 140 mm, or 5.1 to 5.5 inches), it is also important to note that there are universally compatible and proprietary ink cartridges.
In case you want a comprehensive guide to a range of different fountain pens, you can check our article on A Guide To Compatible Cartridges and Converters. It’s important to know you have the right cartridge for your fountain pen.
So, How to Put an Ink Cartridge in a Fountain Pen?
Now comes the fun part! Get started with fountain pen ink cartridges!
Do the Prep-work!
Note: If your fountain pen is new and hasn’t been inked yet, you can proceed to step 2!
1. First, disassemble your fountain pen. This means unscrewing the barrel from the grip section. It’s a wonderful chance to make sure your fountain is clean; if you have recently used it with a different ink, now’s the chance to flush it. When your fountain pen is already clean, it’s ready for the cartridge.
2. Check your cartridge and identify the opening. While fountain pen ink cartridges have some slight variations, you can either find a small cup-like section or a sealed part at one end. This is the part that connects to the fountain pen’s feed.
The Actual Work!
3. Load the ink cartridge. Position the right end of the cartridge toward the feed and push it firmly. You should feel a slight or subtle “click,” which means the feed has punctured the seal. To avoid cartridges from accidentally detaching from the feed, make sure you're installing a compatible universal or proprietary cartridge for your fountain pen. Take note that some fountain pen brands may only be suitable with their proprietary cartridges.
4. Let it floooooooooooow. Allow for the ink to saturate the feed by holding the nib down for a few minutes.
Test It!
5. Reassemble your fountain pen. Connect the barrel back to the grip section by gently screwing it closed until secure. Once your fountain pen is reassembled, you can test how it writes. Gently scribble to help the ink to move and flow onto your paper.
EndlessPens - Top 10 Selling Fountain Pen Cartridges
In case you need a pack of fountain pen ink cartridges or more, you can explore EndlessPens to shop for our best-selling standard and proprietary fountain pen cartridges.
1. LAMY Ink Cartridge (5-Pack) - T10
This giant ink cartridge refill is a proprietary ink cartridge for LAMY fountain pens. This pack comes with five 1.25 ml ink cartridges in each box that are available in blue (washable), black, red, turquoise, violet, blue-black, and green. It suits all LAMY fountain pens except the LAMY 2000. Nonetheless, these LAMY fountain pen ink cartridges are a popular buy for LAMY users who are often on the go or out for a trip. These cartridges, engineered for convenient and reliable use, ensure simplicity and mess-free operation.
2. Sailor Ink Cartridge (3-Pack) - Shikiori Four Seasons
This line of Sailor Shikiori fountain pen inks features unique and vibrant colors inspired by the beauty of the four seasons in Japan. Enjoy a smooth and flowing writing experience with its specific formulation made safe for all fountain pens. The embossed color name in each Sailor ink cartridge adds an elegant touch that enhances the charm of this pack. Writers, artists, and journalists who need a quick refill or ink swap prefer this set to express seasonal impressions in their writing.
3. Parker Ink Cartridge (5-Pack)
Before you hit add to cart, note that these cartridges are for Parker fountain pens only. Fountain pen users of the Parker brand can choose from four colors: blue, blue black, black, and blue washable. Enjoy hours of smooth writing with these dye-based and non-toxic 1.3 ml "Quink" ink cartridges for Parker fountain pens.
4. Diamine Ink Cartridges (18-Pack)
These are a popular choice among fountain pen enthusiasts not only for their value for money but also for their vibrant colors and reliable performance. While these are standard international short cartridges, compatible with most fountain pens, they wouldn’t be compatible with other brands that require proprietary ink cartridges. Enjoy the smooth flow of these water-based, acid-free, and non-toxic pigment-rich inks.
5. Pelikan Ink Cartridge (5-Pack) - 4001
With an even bigger giant ink capacity, this Pelikan 4001 cartridge generously stores 1.4 ml of ink that comes in a convenient pack of five. It provides a reliable and easy-to-use ink solution for your Pelikan fountain pen and most of the other fountain pen brands. Write with vibrant colors and enjoy a smooth flow during your daily writing, which ensures a refined writing experience every time. If you prioritize quality and practicality, these Pelikan fountain pen ink cartridges offer an elegant and convenient way to keep your pen ready for any writing task.
6. Diplomat Ink Cartridge (6-Pack)
Each pack includes six standard ink cartridges that you can use with Diplomat fountain pens and most of the other fountain pen brands. Because of the diplomat fountain pen ink cartridges’ common and generic size, you can enjoy it with a lot of European and Japanese fountain pens.The 1.4 ml of ink in each Diplomat cartridge makes it a practical option for everyday use and travel.
These are available in high-quality Diplomat black and blue ink color.
7. Platinum Ink Cartridge (10-Pack) - Dye Ink
Each pack comes with 10 dye ink cartridges tailored exclusively for Platinum fountain pens. These are available in black, blue, and red 1.2 ml ink cartridges for Platinum fountain pens. The standard dye-based formulation of this ink allows for a good flow and smooth writing experience.
Start Inking with Fountain Pen Cartridges!
Now that you know how to put an ink cartridge in a fountain pen and you have learned about the different kinds of ink cartridges, you can have more confidence in shopping for the right writing supplies for your fountain pen.
Whether it is for travel or long writing, get the fountain pen ink cartridges that you need here at EndlessPens.
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
