Fountain pens possess an undeniable charm that has captivated writing enthusiasts for centuries. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a proud owner of a single cherished pen, knowing how to store these writing instruments is essential for maintaining their beauty and functionality.
In this article, we will delve into how to store a fountain pen properly, providing you with valuable insights to preserve the integrity of this writing instrument.
Table of Contents
Ways to Store Fountain Pens
You can employ several methods and types of fountain pen holders to ensure the pen’s mint conditions and longevity.
1. Pen Cases or Pouches
Invest in a dedicated pen case or pouch designed specifically for fountain pens. These cases usually have individual slots or compartments to separate each pen and prevent them from touching or rubbing against each other.
2. Pen Stands or Holders
Consider using a pen stand or holder, especially if you have a small collection of fountain pens or want to display your favorite pen.
Pen stands to keep the pens upright, preventing them from rolling and potentially getting damaged.
3. Protective Sleeves or Wraps
Another great alternative is protective sleeves or individual pen wraps made of soft materials like microfiber or velvet.
These provide extra protection against scratches, dust, and other potential damage when storing the pens in cases or drawers.
Steps to Preserve Fountain Pens Properly
Step 1: Clean the Fountain Pen
Before storing your fountain pen:
- Ensure it is clean to prevent any residue from drying and potentially clogging the nib or feed.
- Gently flush the pen with clean water or use a pen flush solution to remove any ink residue.
- Dry the pen thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Step 2: Prepare a Case, Stand, or Wrap
Choose a pen case, stand, or pouch that can keep your fountain pen separate from other pens.
Do not forget to ensure that it is clean and free from dust or debris.
Step 3: Insert the Fountain Pen
Place your clean and dry fountain pen into its dedicated slot or compartment in the pen case.
Ensure it is secured and won’t roll or move around inside the case.
Step 4: Add Silica Gel Packets
Include silica gel packets in the pen case to help absorb moisture and maintain a dry environment, protecting your fountain pen from humidity-related issues.
Make sure the silica gel packets are not in direct contact with the pen to avoid any accidental ink spillage.
Step 5: Choose a Suitable Storage Location
Select an appropriate location to store your pen case.
You should avoid areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, excessive humidity, or direct sunlight, as these conditions can damage the pen and affect the ink.
A cool, dry place is ideal for long-term storage.
Step 6: Monitor and Maintain
Periodically check on your stored fountain pen to ensure no issues or signs of damage are visible.
If you are storing the pen for an extended period without use, consider rotating the stored pens periodically to prevent ink drying in the nib and feed.
Storing Fountain Pens Top Tip: Avoid Pressure
When storing a fountain pen, whether with a fountain pen holder, sleeve, or pouch, ensure no excessive pressure is applied to the nib or the body. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top to prevent deformation or damage to the pen.
Storing Fountain Pens for Different Scenarios
Below are our guides for storing fountain pens based on the frequency of usage.
1. Storing for Intermittent Use
- After each use, flush the pen with clean water until the water runs clear. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- If you plan to use the pen again quickly, you can leave it assembled and ready for use. Store it in a pen case or pouch to protect it from dust and accidental damage.
- Consider disassembling the pen for longer intervals between uses, including removing the ink cartridge or converter and cleaning them. Store the pen and components separately in a suitable pen case or pouch.
2. Storing for Short Periods
- Clean the fountain pen as mentioned above.
- Store the pen in a pen case or pouch, ensuring it is securely closed to prevent dust or debris from entering. If you store them vertically in a stand or holder, ensure the nibs are pointed upwards.
- Keep the pen case in a location with stable temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations.
3. Storing for Long Periods
- When not in use, clean the pen thoroughly to remove any ink residue and ensure the nib and feed are free from clogs. Disassemble the pen if necessary.
- If the pen is completely dry, you can store it without ink. Otherwise, flush out the ink and allow the pen to dry before storage. You should not store fountain pen ink if you are not using the pen for a while.
- Place the disassembled or dry pen in a protective sleeve or wrap, ensuring it is clean and not scratched.
- Store the pen vertically in a pen case or box, ideally with individual slots, to prevent contact with other pens. Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture and maintain a dry environment.
- Find a storage location that maintains a stable temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight and extreme conditions.
4. Storing for Trips
- Clean the pen and ensure it is completely dry before packing it for travel.
- Use a sturdy pen case designed for travel, providing proper cushioning and protection. Some cases offer individual pen slots or straps to secure the pens while on planes.
- Consider using a pen wrap that offers extra protection and flexibility to carry a fountain pen.
- Place the fountain pen case or wrap it in a protective bag or sleeve to safeguard it from external elements.
- When flying with fountain pens, keep the pen case or wrap in your carry-on bag to ensure you control its storage conditions and avoid potential damage during baggage handling.
Remember, when choosing a storage solution, consider the position (vertical or horizontal) and duration of storage. Adapt the steps mentioned above based on your specific requirements and the type of pen you own.
Should You Keep a Fountain Pen in Your Pocket?
Keeping a fountain pen in your pocket is generally not advisable, especially with ink cartridges, as it can lead to potential issues. The pen may experience pressure changes, leaking into the cap and resulting in messy stains. Moreover, storing the pen with ink cartridges facing up or down can exacerbate the risk of leakage.
Conclusion
Whether you use your fountain pen intermittently, store it for short or long periods, or travel with it, following the right practices will help preserve your pen’s integrity.
Clean the pen thoroughly, choose the appropriate storage solution, and consider factors like position, duration, and environmental conditions. These steps protect your fountain pen from damage, ink clogs, and exposure to harmful elements.
Each pen is unique, so adapt these guidelines to suit your specific pen and personal preferences. That’s how to store a fountain pen properly!
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
