Pen cleaning and maintenance is something that every fountain pen user should know how to do. It ensures that your pens perform as expected and remain in tip-top shape for many years to come. Knowing the basics and how to care for fountain pens with different filling systems is a must, but how can you ensure that you’re taking good care of pens with different materials and finishes? After all, no two fountain pens are alike in how they are designed, and some are made of precious metals and other delicate materials.
Here’s how to clean and maintain fountain pens made of different materials.
Hard metals
First, we have fountain pens that are made from hard metals. These include stainless steel, chrome, rhodium, palladium, and platinum. Such fountain pens are very durable and generally do not tarnish as other materials do. They have a mirror-like quality that allows them to remain looking shiny and new even after many years of use.
To clean your fountain pen made of hard metal, choose a soft cloth (preferably lint-free) and regularly wipe your pen to remove fingerprints, hand oils, and dirt.
Sterling silver
Pens that are made of sterling silver or are silver-plated are a bit more delicate. We highly recommend using a store-bought polishing cloth that is designed specifically for cleaning silver. For pens that have more intricate silver patterns carved into them, it may be more challenging to get into the nooks and crannies. The best option for this would be to use a liquid silver polish with a very soft brush. This will allow you to get into the crevices and remove any tarnish.
Remember that silver is a soft metal. It will eventually take on a patina and show signs of wear, such as scratches or small dents. This is part of its charm, but do keep in mind that your silver fountain pen will require a little extra TLC.
Fine resins
Resins are high-gloss materials that allow fountain pen manufacturers to produce writing instruments with beautiful and intricate designs. Fine resins give fountain pens a lightweight feeling, which many writers prefer. However, this also makes the pen more susceptible to cracks or breakage if it is misused or dropped.
Pens made of resin will eventually show light scratches on the barrel over time, especially with darker colors. Taking special care of your fine resin pens is a must. To clean it, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away any fingerprints or residue and polish your pen to a nice shine. We also highly recommend investing in a leather pen case to protect your pen from damage.
The bottom line
Following the best practices in fountain pen maintenance takes more than just giving them a good clean. It also involves showing care for the materials that they’re made of, whether they’re soft metals or precious resins. By cleaning your fountain pen’s exterior and using them carefully, you’ll be able to keep them looking and feeling new for many years to come. Who knows, you may even be able to pass your pen down to future generations looking as good as the day you first got it.
Happy cleaning and happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
