Brush pens are delightful to use for coloring and lettering projects. However, they also require some level of care and maintenance to keep producing smooth and even lines for the best results. When used improperly or for a long time, brush pens can fray at the edges. This can create uneven strokes, which, for many, is a frustrating experience. If you have brush pens that still have plenty of ink left but are prone to fraying, here’s how to fix them.
Signs your brush pen is fraying
Fraying is most noticeable when you use your brush pens, even if they still look fine. Your brush pen may produce an even line on the downstroke, but if it starts creating broken, wobbly, or streaky lines on the upstroke, then it is likely that your brush tip has started fraying.
Note that only the upstroke should be affected by a frayed tip. If both the downstrokes and upstrokes are messing up on paper, then your brush pen may have another problem altogether, like drying out.
How to fix frayed brush pens
Now that you know your brush tips are frayed, what can you do? The solution is quite simple if your brush pens are made of felt or a similar material. Simply use your fingers, tweezers, or a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull out the tip gently. Reverse it, and then reinsert it into the body of the pen. You will then have a brush tip that is like new.
Depending on the brand of your brush pens, you may also buy replaceable tips. However, if the brush pen has severe fraying, then it might be best to purchase a new one and follow our tips on preventing fraying for brush tip pens.
Preventing your brush pens from fraying
Preventing your brush pens from fraying is essential to extending their life span and use. Here’s how:
Use the right paper
We’ve previously discussed what paper should be used for brush pens. Smooth paper is your best bet to prevent fraying. Examples of smooth paper suitable for brush pen use include the Rhodia Paper Pads or Canson Marker Paper.
Hold the brush pen correctly
Holding your brush pen and using it correctly will keep it from fraying for much longer than if you held it incorrectly. Holding your pen the right way will also give you better results, such as a thick downstroke. Make sure the angle of your pen relative to the paper is about 45 degrees, with the back end of the pen pointing to the side rather than being perpendicular to the writing surface.
The bottom line
Fraying is inevitable for brush pens, but there is a simple way to remedy it, as discussed above. More importantly, you can prevent fraying by using the right paper and technique with your brush pens. The next time you pick up a new brush pen, keep these things in mind so you can use them for much longer.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
