Can You Refill a Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge?

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One of the best things about writing with fountain pens is the many ways that you can add ink to your writing instrument. Whether you prefer a vacuum filler or the eyedropper method, there’s sure to be a filling system that you can get comfortable with. Many people use cartridges as they are easy and convenient. However, cartridges can become expensive as you need to keep buying them, and they are also limited in color choices. Some may wonder if you can refill a fountain pen ink cartridge. Here, we’ll discuss how and why you may want to refill your cartridges.

Why Refill A Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge?

Before we jump into how you can refill an ink cartridge, let’s talk about why you should consider this type of filling method for your fountain pens.

Most people start with fountain pens with cartridge-converter filling systems because they are the easiest to work with and are comfortable to use. However, many fountain pen users eventually want to experiment with different ink colors without necessarily buying a pen with a different filling system.

This is where refilling cartridges comes in handy. Rather than buying a new pack of ink cartridges, which are often limited in color selection, you can buy bottled ink and use a few tools to refill your cartridges. You get the convenience of using a cartridge and the flexibility to try different inks on the market; you can even fill your cartridges with ink from samples.

Aside from that, reusing cartridges is better for the environment as you won’t be constantly throwing used pieces of plastic into landfills every time you replace your ink.

How To Refill A Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge?

It is quite easy to refill a fountain pen ink cartridge. All you need are the following materials:

Fountain pen ink bottle
Blunt-tipped syringe or pipette
Paper towels or tissue

Here is a step-by-step procedure on how you can refill your cartridges with ink:

Prepare your workspace. Place paper towels or tissue on your work surface to catch any potential ink spills.

Remove the cartridge. Take out the empty ink cartridge from your fountain pen. Most cartridges can be easily pulled or twisted out.

Clean the cartridge. Rinse the cartridge with water to remove any residual ink. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

Fill the syringe or pipette. Use an ink syringe or pipette to draw ink from the ink bottle. Make sure you have the correct amount of ink for your cartridge.

Fill the cartridge. Insert the syringe or pipette into the open end of the cartridge and slowly inject the ink. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leaks.

Reinsert the cartridge. Once the cartridge is filled, reinsert it into the pen. Make sure it is securely in place.

Prime the pen. To get the ink flowing, you may need to prime the pen by gently squeezing the ink cartridge or using the pen's filling mechanism according to its design.

Test the pen. Write on a scrap piece of paper to ensure the ink is flowing smoothly and there are no issues with the refill.

Clean up. Use paper towels or tissue to wipe any excess ink from the pen and your work surface.

Keep in mind that not all fountain pens use refillable cartridges, as some pens are designed for disposable cartridges only. Additionally, be sure to use compatible ink for your fountain pen to avoid potential damage.

The Bottom Line

There are various filling systems for fountain pens that you can try, but many fountain pen enthusiasts would say that none is easier or more convenient than the cartridge. You can simply take a cartridge, install it in your fountain pen, and you’re ready to write. Refilling them is a great way to explore bottled ink without being limited by the packed cartridges sold on the market. You’ll also save a bit of money on your refills.