A Parker fountain pen symbolizes timeless elegance contoured into the shape of a premium writing instrument. A pen is not just a tool for scribbling; it is the medium that grants expression to our thoughts, ideas, and feelings!
Treating a pen with care ensures its longevity, letting you enjoy the fruits of your investment longer.
In this article, we look at how you can maintain your Parker fountain pen with instructions from the Official Parker Care Guides.
The Need for Regular Maintenance
If you expose a fountain pen to neglect for long periods, the instrument's delicate internal mechanisms are damaged. The ink may end up clogging the channels and may dry out within the cartridge if left unattended for long periods.
This can affect the performance and health of the instrument significantly, undermining the utility of the fountain pen!
It is essential to engage in maintenance and care for your fountain pen regularly. The official guides recommend cleaning out the pen every time you change the cartridge or refill the reservoir.
The Maintenance Procedure
The maintenance procedure for Parker fountain pens is detailed below based on instructions from the official care guide.
Cleaning the Nib and Reservoir
It is recommended to soak the nib in cold water for a short while when you refill the reservoir or change the cartridge. If the reservoir is empty, you may use the suction mechanism to fill it with water and release it through the nib. This process can be repeated several times until clear water begins to emanate from the nib.
Note: Remember to use cold water, as hot or warm water can damage the pen's internal channels and mechanisms.
Note: It is recommended to use official Parker inks, as they are water-soluble and reduce the risk of damage to the pen.
Refilling the Ink
If your pen features a cartridge mechanism, you can remove the empty cartridge and replace it with a new one. It is advised to soak the nib in cold water for a short while between each replacement.
Note: Parker Long Cartridges hold an emergency reservoir of ink that can be released by flicking the cartridge's end.
If your fountain pen features a refillable reservoir, you can refill it using official Parker inks. To do so, you must immerse the nib completely and the grip partially into the ink. Using the slider or screw mechanism, you can refill the reservoir. Afterward, you can dry the nib and the grip with a lint-less soft cloth and release two to three drops of ink to fill the channels and get the ink flowing.
Replacing the Nib
If you feel that your fountain pen is providing reduced performance, it may be due to excess buildup of ink within the channels. It is recommended to soak the nib in cold water for a minimum of 24 hours and then proceed with the flushing process to release any dried ink.
If the nib still feels uncomfortable to write with, you can apply to have the nib replaced or exchanged if the purchase has been made within the past 30 days.
Following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your valuable Parker fountain pen's performance for a significant time! It is no wonder that Parker fountain pens can last for generations if properly maintained and cared for. We hope you enjoy the writing experience afforded by this wonderful instrument!
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
