As we know, the ballpoint pen is a ubiquitous writing instrument that offers writers convenience and reliability. However, you may find yourself struggling with a ballpoint pen that skips, smudges, or fails to provide a smooth writing experience. You may also have a perfectly good ballpoint pen and may just be wondering how to improve its performance. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to make your ballpoint pen write better. Here, we’ll explore various ways to do this so you can get a better writing experience from your favorite ballpoint pen.
Clean your pen
Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the pen's ball or ink reservoir, affecting the smoothness of writing. Clean the pen by gently wiping the ball and reservoir with a soft cloth or tissue.
Store your pen properly
Avoid exposing the pen to extreme temperatures or storing it in a horizontal position for extended periods. Ideally, keep the pen upright or vertically capped to prevent ink flow issues.
Warm the pen
In colder environments, ballpoint ink can thicken, resulting in poor ink flow and causing skipping. Warm the pen gently by rubbing it between your hands or storing it somewhere warm for a few minutes before writing.
Use oil
Take cooking oil or baby oil (any oil will do) and dip the tip of your ballpoint pen in it. Let it soak for about a few minutes, swirling it around the oil. Then, use your pen to scribble vigorously on a piece of paper until the oil is gone and only ink starts to flow. If it does not start, repeat the process and let the tip of your pen sit in the oil for longer.
Adjust your writing pressure
Experiment with different levels of pressure while writing. Applying too much pressure can cause the ball to dig into the paper, resulting in inconsistent ink flow. Find the optimal balance for smooth writing by using a lighter touch.
Try different angles
Experiment with the angle at which you hold the pen. Some ballpoint pens write more smoothly when held at a slight angle, while others may require a more vertical orientation. Find the angle that works best for your pen.
Use quality paper
The type of paper you write on can impact the pen's performance. Rough or porous paper can cause ink to spread or absorb quickly, leading to a less smooth writing experience. Opt for smooth, high-quality paper that is compatible with ballpoint pens.
Keep the pen capped
When not in use, keep the pen capped to prevent the ink from drying out or accumulating dust. This helps maintain the pen's performance over time.
Replace the refill
If your pen uses a replaceable ink refill, consider changing it. Over time, the ink may dry out or become less fluid, affecting the pen's writing quality. Look for compatible, high-quality refills to ensure optimal performance. If you’re a fan of LAMY, they have great LAMY M16 Ballpoint Pen Refill that you can use.
Remember, different pens may have specific characteristics and preferences. No matter your ballpoint pen model, it can help to try the different methods listed above to find what works best.
Happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
