How to properly refill a fountain pen with ink. how to refill a parker fountain pen how to refill a parker fountain pen

Despite the fact that modern fountain pens most often come with convenient ones, fans of traditional converters still remain, and there are many of them. Many even specifically buy vintage models so that they can choose ink to their liking and mix different colors. The converter is the easiest way to try out the hundreds of shades you can easily find in bottles. Cartridges are forced to be refilled.

How to use a fountain pen refill converter

The converter is a device that is inserted into the body of the pen in the same way as a cartridge. There are several types of converters: classic piston (the most common today) and vintage pipette. There are also push-buttons, but they are also quite rare. The way they work is slightly different.

Piston rotary converters

A simple and reliable option, which today is chosen by many manufacturers. It is enough to unscrew the body of the pen (the back part is called the barrel, the front part with the nib is the grip section or grip section), place the converter in the pen and set the piston in motion: the ink will be drawn in, obeying the force of the vacuum effect.

Step 1. Insert the converter into the pen, if not already done. Pay attention to whether there is a thread on the converter, if there is, it must be screwed in, and not put in. This happens on some handles (eg Cross).

Step 2. Dip the pen and some of the grip section into the ink bottle. Make sure the pen is fully submerged, up to the grip section, otherwise the mechanism may not work.

Step 3. Rotate the converter knob to lower the piston and release air. You should see air bubbles coming out of the handle.

Step 4. Rotate the converter knob in the opposite direction to raise the piston and draw the ink in. If air remains inside, do not worry, this is normal.

Step 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the converter is completely filled with ink and no more air bubbles come out.

Step 6. Use a paper towel or lint-free tissue to clean the pickup section and pen of any excess ink that has not drained back into the bottle.

Step 7. Assemble the handle by screwing the barrel, now you can use it.

Do not forget that before refilling a fountain pen with ink, it must be thoroughly rinsed with running water (and it is better to soak for a couple of hours) and dry. It is especially important to do this if the tool has not been used for a long time and the ink is dry, or if you are using a new ink color.

If the ink has dried up in the converter, do not rush to twist it, soak it first - then you can already twist it.

Piston converters with rod

The same as the previous paragraph, only you need not to twist, move the piston through the rod along the converter body. A simpler and usually cheaper design.

The sequence of actions and precautions are similar.

Pipette converters

The principle of its operation is simple: the tool draws ink by compressing air, the release of which creates a vacuum that draws the ink into the pen.

Integrated piston system

If the pen has a piston filler (usually these are expensive pens), then proceed as follows:

Disassemble the body of the pen.
Turn the ink piston inside the case counterclockwise.
Dip the pen completely into the ink bottle.
Turn the clamp all the way in the opposite direction.
Unscrew the clamp slightly (until the first drop appears) to remove air from the container.
Remove the pen from the vial, wipe it with a cloth.
Assemble the handle in reverse order.

Cartridges

The replacement cartridge is inserted into the writing accessory very simply:

Remove the barrel.
Remove the used cartridge.
Insert a new capsule until it clicks.
Screw all parts of the pen back.
Wait for the ink to reach the pen through the feeder, shake the pen gently if necessary (may splatter).

Before refilling, it is always best to soak the pen for a couple of hours in cold water (it contains less impurities and salts).
You can soak all the pens at once in one container.
The cartridge is easy to refill from an ink can with a syringe, but it is also better to wash it of old ink.
Look at the handles.
Dry the handle before refilling.
Don't refill a lot of ink, if you don't write a lot in the coming weeks, it will likely dry out.
In addition to the described filling option, you can fill the ink directly into the converter or cartridge, for example, with a syringe and then insert it into the pen.

Many modern people prefer to use ballpoint pens, but there are those who still prefer the finesse, clarity and individual style of fountain pens. Instead of a ball, a sharp nib is installed at the end of such a pen, leaving behind lines of varying thickness depending on the pressure on the pen, writing speed and the direction of specific strokes. In addition, the fountain pen can be refilled with ink many times, so it can last a lifetime. However, the application of a fountain pen is somewhat different from that of ballpoint pens. When you learn proper writing technique, it will become noticeably easier for you to write with a fountain pen.

Steps

Part 1

How to write with a fountain pen

Get the pen right. Remove the cap from the pen and take it in your main hand, holding it gently between your thumb and forefinger. In this case, the body of the pen should rest on the middle finger. Rest your fingers on the paper to stabilize your hand.

Place the pen nib on the paper. This may seem simple enough to do, but the construction of a fountain pen is somewhat more complicated than that of a ballpoint pen. Because of the pointed nib instead of a ball at the end, the pen must be properly pressed against the paper in order to be able to write with it. This is the so-called optimal position.

Hold the pen firmly. When writing, there are two ways to control a pen: with your fingers or with your hand as a whole. When you work with a ballpoint pen, it is quite possible to get by with just your fingers, because thanks to the ballpoint, the pen will write in any position. But the fountain pen must be controlled with the whole hand in order not to miss the optimal position. So use the tips below.

When the pen is in your hand, keep your fingers and wrist still, using your entire hand to move the pen as you write. Practice writing in the air first and then on paper to gradually get used to writing with your whole hand.

Lightly press the pen while writing. It is not necessary to apply much pressure to the fountain pen, however, you must apply some pressure to the pen in order for the ink to flow into it. Gently press down on the pen and start practicing writing with a fountain pen.

Part 2
How to fill a fountain pen with ink
1. Determine the type of fountain pen. To date, there are three types of fountain pens on sale: with cartridges, converters and a built-in piston system. The difference between the two lies in the ink supply system and the way the pen is filled with ink when it runs out.
  - Fountain pens with cartridges are currently the most common, as cartridges are the easiest to change. To write with this type of pen, you will need to buy ready-made ink cartridges and periodically change them in the pen when the ink runs out.
  - Converter pens are equipped with a reusable cartridge that is inserted inside. They're good for you if you don't mind refilling the ink cartridge yourself every time you run out of ink.
  - Piston pens are similar to converter pens, except they have a built-in refill system so you don't have to replace the refillable cartridge with a converter purchased separately.
2. Replace the cartridge in your fountain pen. First, remove or unscrew the cap from the pen, then unscrew its body. Remove the empty cartridge from inside. Then follow the steps below for the new cartridge.
  
  Fill the piston handle. Remove the cap from the pen and, if necessary, the additional cap on the back of the pen that covers the piston mechanism. Turn the plunger adjuster (usually counterclockwise) until the plunger is at the writing end of the pen. Then follow the steps below.
  - Dip the pen nib completely into the ink bottle so that the ink covers the hole in the base of the nib.
  - Start turning the plunger clockwise to draw ink into the pen.
  - When the ink tank is full, remove the pen from the ink bottle. Turn the plunger counterclockwise a little again to push a few drops of ink back into the jar. This will allow you to get rid of air bubbles.
  - Wipe the ink off the pen with a paper towel.
3. Fill the converter pen. There are two types of converters in fountain pens: with a piston mechanism or with a pipette refilling system. To refill a pipette pen, remove the cap from the pen, unscrew the barrel, dip the pen in ink, and then follow the steps below.
  - Slowly press down on the ink tank and wait for air bubbles to appear on the surface of the ink.
  - Slowly release the ink tank and wait for it to fill with ink.
  - Repeat these steps until the reservoir is full.

In stationery stores you can see a large number of fountain pens, but they all differ in build quality, refilling mechanism and cost. Regardless of which pen you purchase, with proper care, it will last you a long time, the main thing is to follow the rules for refueling and cleaning and do not use liquids that are not intended for it. Consider the types of filling systems, their features, and how to properly clean them.

Where does ink go in a fountain pen?

If you are using a system with a piston converter, then the ink must be filled into a special compartment. The system with a cartridge is disposable, so it will not be possible to refill it again. You will need to purchase a new cartridge and charge it in the pen.

Types of filling systems

There are three types of fountain pen refilling systems:

Cartridge. The factory comes with a small ink bottle that fits into the pen. This type is the most common because of the practicality of use, but the cartridge is disposable, and in order to avoid problems, you need to stock up on them in advance.
piston converter. Such a system must be refueled independently. The peculiarity of the piston converter is reusable, but also the method is less practical, since you need to buy ink and special tools separately.
Disposable system. There are fountain pens in the budget segment, and most often they cannot be reused, since there is no possibility of replacing the cartridge or refilling.

How to fill and paint?

A fountain pen can be refilled in several ways. Let us consider in more detail the options for refueling, taking into account the design features.

Method 1

If you have a piston converter, then disassemble the pen, tilt the rod to the ink and turn the piston counterclockwise. Then dip the pen into the ink and scroll the device already clockwise. This will suck the ink into the container. Then, without sticking out the pen, unscrew the piston cap a little, until a drop of ink appears from the pen. This must be done to bleed excess air. Then screw on the structure and wipe the handle with a dry cloth.

Method 2

The piston filler acts similarly to the converter. Disassemble the handle and turn the filler counterclockwise. Dip into the ink and make a reverse turn to pump the liquid. Release the air and assemble the structure.

Method 3

The cartridge system option is the simplest. Disassemble the pen and remove the used cartridge from it. Insert the new system until it clicks and paint with the pen until ink appears.

How to use the refueling converter

There are several types of converters that differ in how they operate. Consider the work of structures and how to fill them.

Piston rotary converters

The rotary converter is refilled by lowering the pen into the ink and sucking it into the tank using a rotary mechanism.

Piston converters with rod

This type of system resembles a syringe. First, we squeeze out the remaining air and fluid from the piston by pressing on the lever. Then we dip the pen into the ink container and pull the piston handle towards ourselves.

Pipette converters

Classic filling system. The ink storage is made of rubber, and to fill the ink, you need to disconnect the channel from the pen, press on the base of the structure to bleed excess air, and lower it into the ink jar. As soon as you stop squeezing the piston, the desired liquid will flow into the converter.

Integrated piston system

The built-in system has a more complex design, but with it you will not get your pen and yourself dirty. From the piston there is a branching with a small channel. To refill the pen, you need to insert it into the ink bottle.

Converterless and cartridgeless system

In budget models, you can see a simple handle system. It does not have converters and cartridges, and the ink is already filled in the case. It is impossible to refill such a mechanism, and ink often leaks through microcracks in the joints.

How to clean a fountain pen from dried paint

If you haven't used a pen for a long time, then the ink in it could dry out. However, this is not a reason to throw away the instrument, as it can be reanimated. Disassemble the assembly and rinse under running water to flush out any remaining ink. Do this until the water runs clear as it exits the pen. Then put all the parts on a towel for 2 hours to dry. If the ink is difficult to wash out, then put the design in a container with warm water for 5-8 hours.

If you have a Parker with a cartridge, then it makes no sense to wash out the dried ink. You can fix the problem by installing a new device.

How to properly store a fountain pen

The life of a fountain pen will depend on how well you care for it. Regardless of the design and ink, it needs to be washed and cleaned from time to time, because with heavy use, the nozzle can become clogged with paper particles.

The main factor affecting cleaning is the type of ink. To avoid problems with color and drying out, it is recommended to use ink from popular brands that specialize in the manufacture of these same inks. If you fill the pen with the wrong liquid, you risk ruining it forever.

How to refill if there is no ink

Can it be refilled with stamp paint?

Refilling printer ink will be your pen's last ink, as non-fountain pen inks contain glycerin and take a long time to dry. Stamp ink is absorbed deep into the material, so it will be very difficult to clean the piston in the future.

Also, such ink has a more liquid consistency, which can lead to streaks. When writing on paper, the paint will harden for a long time, so you will often smudge the text. The method should only be used as a last resort.

Can mascara be applied?

Ink microparticles are larger than ink, so the pen will clog quickly. In addition, the ink dries quickly, and your pen will stop writing after a few hours. It is also almost impossible to wash it off, since modern mascara has a moisture-resistant effect. This option is inefficient and useless, and you risk ruining the pen.

A fountain pen costs a lot of money, especially if it's a Parker. To ensure it lasts as long as possible, clean and rinse it regularly and use only the correct inks and designs.

Not really

Despite all the variety of stationery, the fountain pen is still very popular. The Parker Pen Company is one of the well-known companies specializing in the production of such writing instruments. It is she who is the creator of the famous Parker brand. But are the fountain pens of this manufacturer really that good?

A small digression into history

Who would have thought that the first analogues of modern fountain pens appeared around 600 AD. e. However, they acquired a metal case only by 1803. In turn, the first pens with metal nibs appeared closer to the beginning of 1830. However, such stationery had an extremely short lifespan.

Shortly before the modern Parker fountain pen appeared, many manufacturers began to produce nibs made of rhodium, osmium, iridium, and also gold (meaning 14- and 17-card). This approach made it possible to increase the service life of the tips on the handles and marked the beginning of a new mass production.

What are the types of fountain pens?

Around the beginning of the 19th century, the following types of fountain pens could be distinguished:

representative, or image (collection accessories);
classic (for everyday use);
school.

All of them, like the Parker fountain pen, were equipped with the following details:

A housing equipped with a special filling mechanism.
Dedicated ink tank.
Protective cap.
A metal pen with a small fork in the middle.

Pen "Parker" (fountain): photos and features

"Parker" are unique handles that have a number of advantages. In particular, it is they who create the most clear and thin lines, which makes your writing smooth and easy. It is much more convenient to hold such a pen, and the writing of letters itself takes place in a fairly fast mode.

From the point of view of aesthetics, the text written with such stationery looks the most accurate and calligraphic. That is why the Parker fountain pen is the favorite tool of employees and office owners, students and school teachers.

Depending on the cost, they prefer to use it as a fashion item, perfectly combined with a leather case, purse and business person's notebook.

What do people say about Parker fountain pens?

Everyone who has ever been lucky enough to hold the Parker company in their hands speaks mostly positively about it. Some like the ease that comes with writing text.

Others pay attention to the streamlined shape and presentable appearance of the accessory, which allows it to be used as a gift. Still others pay attention to the aesthetics of writing and assure that the Parker fountain pen (you will find reviews about it in our article) even influenced their handwriting. He became more calligraphic and accurate. By the way, knowing such unusual features of Parker, in some European schools, teachers use its budget option when teaching children to write in primary grades.

Still others claim that pens sometimes scratch paper. Fifths do not like wasteful ink consumption. According to them, they end at the most inopportune moment.

And, finally, they meet and do not like the presence of ink at the end of the pen (meaning that after using the accessory, ink often remains on its tip, which then dries up). Another thing is that such dissatisfaction may well be caused by improper use of the pen or associated with its inexpensive counterpart. However, in general, reviews, for example, about such a stylish item as the Parker gold fountain pen, are positive.

Where does ink go in a fountain pen?

So that your pen does not let you down at the most crucial moment, take care of its timely refueling. To do this, we recall that pen stationery, as a rule, contains an ink cartridge or a special piston converter. Moreover, the first is not intended for reuse, and the second has a large capacity, and it can be used many times.

However, filling a piston converter takes more time than replacing an old ink cartridge with a new one. The second process is much faster and easier. For the first one, you need a certain environment and a small jar of special ink. We will tell you how to fill in ink for a Parker fountain pen below.

How can I refill a Parker pen with a converter?

To refill a pen equipped with a converter, first prepare your work area. To do this, place a napkin and a jar of ink on a flat surface (preferably a table). This task is best done with ink from the same company as the pen itself.

Next, remove the protective cap of your stationery and carefully unscrew the barrel from the feather base. Then unscrew the ink cap and set it aside (on a tissue). Then dip the pen into the vial. At the same time, leave only the upper part of the pen on the surface.

In the next step, get rid of the remaining ink in the tank. This can be done by turning the converter piston counterclockwise (movement should be made until it stops). Perform this simple action before three drops of ink fall into the jar.

Without changing the position of the handle, continue to rotate the converter, but in the opposite direction. In this way, you will be able to fill the tank with a new batch of ink. When everything is done, carefully remove the pen from the jar and rotate the converter (as described above). This will get rid of a small amount of air trapped in the ink bottle.

After that, return the barrel to its place, and also eliminate excess ink with a napkin. Now you know how to refill a Parker fountain pen containing a converter.

How to refill a Parker cartridge cartridge?

To replace a used cartridge with a new one, first remove the protective cap. Then carefully remove the empty container and replace it with a full one. And apply a little force: press on the tank with your fingers until you hear a characteristic loud click. And only after your cartridge is fully installed, you can slowly spin the barrel. The pen is ready to use.

How to clean the nib in the Parker pen?

If you suddenly decide to clean the pen in the pen with the converter, then first you should slightly open the converter, and then bring it to a pre-prepared container of water at room temperature and rinse it. Moreover, it is worth performing this procedure until the water in the converter becomes completely transparent. At the end of this step, blot the pen and the pen itself with a tissue.

If your pen contains a cartridge, it is recommended to remove it before washing the pen. Then put the pen and pen body into a container of clean water. Rinse and dry with a tissue.

Despite the fact that ballpoint and gel pens have long been replaced by fountain pens, many people prefer ink. And the ink pen of the world-famous Parker company is not only a stationery, but also an attribute of prestige. To enjoy using it, you need to know how to fill the pen with ink and nib.

How to refill a fountain pen

In stationery stores, there are usually several types of ink, which differ in shades, consistency and quality. For refilling ink pens, ink with the inscription "fountain pens", that is, "for fountain pens", is suitable. The method of filling the pen with ink depends on the filling mechanism.

piston filler

Disassemble the handle body.
Inside the housing is an ink piston with a clamp at the end, which must be rotated counterclockwise.
Having immersed the pen in ink, scroll the clamp all the way in the opposite direction.
To remove air from the container, the clamp must be slightly unscrewed until the first drop appears.
Wipe the pen with a cloth and assemble the pen.

Converter

Release access to the converter.
Having lowered the pen into the ink, turn the converter head to the right.
Remove air from the container, clean the nib and screw on the body.

Replacement cartridge

Remove the upper case.
Replace the used cartridge with a new one.
Open the safety valve, bleed the air until ink appears.
Wipe dry the nib and twist the body.

How to refill a parker pen

The Parker pen is not only a writing instrument, but also a stylish accessory for a business person. To prolong the life of this expensive item, you only need to refill it with branded ink, since Parker ink capsules contain cleaning solvents. In addition, Parker ink meets a number of other requirements:

retain saturated color for a long time;
instantly absorbed into the writing material;
have a high wetting ability, without spreading over the paper;
correspond in density to the design of the handle.

Parker pens have a refill system with ink capsules. To replace the capsule, remove the cap and unscrew the sleeve located on top of the body. After removing the empty capsule, a new one is inserted in its place with the wide side down. To pierce the capsule, you need to slightly push it and screw the sleeve.

Parker QUINK capsules are equipped with a reserve tank. To release an additional portion of ink, just click on the end of the capsule.