Using a fountain pen may seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re a beginner. By learning all about your new fountain pen and with a little practice, you’ll be ready to explore a fresh and enjoyable writing experience in no time!
At EndlessPens, we have a variety of beginner-friendly fountain pens to help you on your journey. Make sure to check out our starter fountain pen collection and read on to learn about the basics of using a fountain pen.
Step 1: Gather the right tools.
Gather these materials to optimize writing with a fountain pen.
- Choose fountain pen friendly paper. Paper that works well with fountain pens have a smooth surface that can absorb fountain pen ink without feathering or bleeding.
Tidbits:
Feathering is when the ink spreads unevenly on paper creating an impression of feather-like appearance. This is often caused by low-quality papers with high absorbent fibers or some inks that seem very wet due to its low viscosity.
Bleeding is when ink seeps through the paper becoming visible on the other side. Sometimes, it may also result in soaking more layers of paper staining other pages when stacked together. This may occur when the paper is too thin or the ink is too wet.
There are many kinds of fountain pen friendly papers to try, like luxurious cotton paper, heavyweight artist paper, high-quality Japanese or Italian paper, or other commercially available paper, like inkjet paper, that is 100 grams per square meter (gsm) to 120 gsm or higher. The right fountain pen friendly paper is also something of preference to every writer, so try out a few types and see which paper you enjoy writing with!
- Choose the right fountain pen for you. The right fountain pen can be different for each person. It depends on your budget, but most importantly, on what feels most comfortable for the writer. The important qualities to consider are reliability, durability, and comfort with nib size (more on that below). Typically, a durable plastic body can be preferable for fountain pen users starting out, and so the writer can monitor the ink and refill as needed.
- Choose a fountain pen filling mechanism. Learn about the different fountain pen filling systems and start easy. It can be preferable to buy a pen that takes ink cartridges, as the ink is pre-filled, and readily replaceable. This is also a more cost-efficient and travel-friendly option. A converter system may also be a great beginner option. Fountain pens that take converters can be filled with either a pre-filled cartridge of ink or a converter where you may fill your own ink.
Beginners may find drawing their own ink in a converter daunting, so they should wait until they feel comfortable and ready to experiment.
- Choose a fountain pen nib size. A fountain pen nib is the metal point at the tip of a fountain pen that delivers ink onto the paper. Different nib sizes refer to the width of the line it produces, and these range from extra fine to double broad nibs. Smaller nibs create finer lines and larger nibs create broader lines. As a beginner, you can start with a medium or broad nib to practice.
These nib sizes can allow beginners more versatility and comfort. It can help beginners achieve the right balance so they can write consistently with a fountain pen before moving on to other nib sizes.
Step 2: Practice holding and writing with your pen.
When you have all these basic tools, you can get ready to start writing with your fountain pen. Here are some key points to consider when you begin using a fountain pen.
- Have the right posture. This may seem a given, but a lot of beginners often start writing without considering the right posture. Sit up straight and keep your feet flat on the floor. This helps a beginner to write smoothly. Moreover, it also promotes maintaining a healthy spine to avoid back pains or back injuries.
- Maintain a comfortable grip. It’s like learning to use a regular pen for the first time. You can use your usual grip that is most comfortable for you. Since fountain pens usually have a wider grip section than standard pens, there’s no need to grasp the pen tightly. Also to reduce wrist and hand fatigue, practice holding the fountain pen without much pressure or squeezing too tightly on the grip section. A recommended grip for beginners is to hold the pen between your thumb and index finger, letting the body rest on your middle finger. This allows a beginner to let the pen rest on the knuckle and ultimately helps to feel more comfortable writing for the first time with a fountain pen nib.
- Position the nib at the right angle. Upon holding the fountain pen, position the nib at a 45-degree angle to the paper. Imagine slicing the space in half where the pen would rest diagonally from the paper to your hand. It is not necessarily upright, hence letting it rest at this specific angle. This allows for a more fluid ink flow from the nib as you write.
- Avoid holding the pen too hard. A fountain pen works by using gentle pressure for the ink to flow naturally. There is no need to press down hard. Also avoid gripping the pen too high or too low. To achieve better control, the beginner can try holding the fountain pen closer to the nib.
- Practice the right flow. This feels like letting your fountain pen glide on paper. Be relaxed and avoid jerky movements for smooth and consistent strokes.
Step 3: Don’t skip the aftercare.
As in using other tools, maintenance is an important part of using a fountain pen, especially for beginners. Don’t just use and store fountain pens haphazardly because it can affect the quality and performance of this writing tool. See the guidance below to know how to clean your fountain pen.
- Regularly clean the fountain pen. The ink can build up in its filing system and nib. To avoid leaks or clogs on your fountain, clean it regularly. Flush your fountain pen with water or the appropriate pen cleaning solution. Be sure to do this if you plan to switch ink colors to help ensure a smooth writing experience and mixing of inks.
- Empty the reservoir. If the fountain pen is not frequently used, it is better to empty the ink from it before flushing, so clogging can be avoided.
- Keep the cap on when the fountain pen is not in use. Make sure the cap is on the fountain pen. Securely cover the nib to avoid or prevent the ink from drying out.
- Use pen wraps or pen cases. Fountain pens are more delicate and, at times, can be more expensive than other regular pens you find. Store it appropriately in a pen wrap or pen case that can protect your pen from bumps or scratches when it's not in use. A pen holder also works if you want to keep it on your desk for easy/immediate access.
Start your fountain pen journey with EndlessPens!
If you’re a beginner, EndlessPens has everything you need to get on the Write Start for your fountain pen journey. Shop for beginner-friendly fountain pens, pen accessories, fountain pen ink friendly paper, and more. Visit our website and find everything you need!
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
