A Beginner’s Guide
One of the joys of owning a fountain pen is the ritual of filling it with ink. Unlike disposable pens, fountain pens are designed to be refilled again and again, giving you the freedom to choose from hundreds of ink colors and styles. If you’re new to fountain pens, the process may look a little intimidating—but with the right guidance, it’s simple, clean, and even enjoyable.
In this post, we’ll walk through the most common ways to fill a fountain pen.
1. What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these essentials:
-
Your fountain pen
-
Ink (in cartridges, a converter, or a bottle depending on your pen)
-
A clean tissue or soft cloth (for wiping excess ink)
-
A flat, protected surface (in case of spills)
2. Filling Methods
A. Cartridge Filling
This is the easiest method and is great for beginners.
-
Unscrew the barrel of your pen to expose the section (the grip and nib unit).
-
Insert the cartridge: Push the narrow end of the cartridge firmly into the back of the section until you feel it puncture.
-
Wait a moment: The ink will begin flowing down into the feed. You may need to gently squeeze the cartridge or scribble a bit to get the ink flowing.
Cartridges are quick and convenient, but they limit your ink options to those available in cartridge form.
B. Converter Filling (Using Bottled Ink)
Converters allow you to enjoy the full range of bottled inks. Here’s how:
-
Insert the converter into the pen’s grip section (if it isn’t already attached).
-
Dip the nib fully into the ink bottle, ensuring the breather hole (the small opening on the nib) is submerged.
-
Fill the converter: Twist or push the converter mechanism to draw ink up into the pen.
-
Remove and wipe: Carefully lift the nib out and wipe it with a tissue to remove excess ink.
-
Reassemble the pen and you’re ready to write.
💡 Tip: When filling, keep the nib submerged to prevent air bubbles.
C. Piston or Vacuum Fillers
Some pens have built-in filling systems, which often hold more ink than converters.
-
Dip the nib into the ink bottle, again ensuring it’s fully submerged.
-
Operate the piston or vacuum mechanism: Twist (piston) or press and release (vacuum) to draw ink directly into the pen’s barrel.
-
Wipe the nib to avoid inky fingers.
These systems are highly efficient and a favorite among enthusiasts.
3. After Filling
-
Test your pen: Write a few lines to make sure the ink flows smoothly.
-
Cap the ink bottle securely to prevent spills.
-
Store the pen upright (nib up) or horizontally if you won’t be using it immediately.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Don’t overfill—this can cause leaks.
-
Avoid using non-fountain pen ink (like India ink), which can clog the pen.
-
Always wipe off the nib after filling to keep your hands and paper clean.
Conclusion
Filling a fountain pen is more than a functional task—it’s a small ritual that connects you to centuries of writing tradition. Whether you prefer the convenience of cartridges, the flexibility of converters, or the capacity of piston fillers, the process soon becomes second nature. And once you’ve mastered it, you’ll discover one of the greatest pleasures of fountain pen use: endless ink choices and the satisfaction of writing with a pen that’s uniquely yours.