Let’s talk about cartridge ink pens. If you’re just getting into fountain pens, these are the easiest to use. So, starting place for the new pen enthusiast in your life.
But there are a few things to know about these pens and how the ink cartridges work.
Let’s get to it.
What is a cartridge fountain pen?
You need to fill your pen with ink before you can use it. And there are a few common methods for that:
- Pen ink cartridges which come pre-filled with ink.
- Pen ink converters which you fill with ink yourself.
- Built-in filling systems (like vacuum or piston) that you also fill yourself.
A cartridge fountain pen uses pre-filled ink cartridges. These fountain pens are designed to provide a hassle-free writing experience — you pop in the cartridge and call it a day. Write until the ink runs out, just like with a rollerball or Bic pen.
Then when the ink cartridge is empty, remove it and add a new one. This lets you get back to writing quickly with minimal mess.
What are the pros and cons of fountain pen ink cartridges?
I always like to weigh the pros and cons of buying a new fountain pen — yes, I am a nerd.
No pen is 100% perfect for everyone, but as you write more, you’ll start to learn what you like.
Pros
- Convenience. Cartridge fountain pens are easy to use, making them perfect for beginners or those who don’t want to deal with the mess of bottled ink.
- Portability. Ink cartridges are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around with you, ensuring your pen is always ready to use.
- Minimal mess: Since the ink is contained within the cartridge, there’s less chance of ink spills or accidents. Believe me, avoiding an inksplosion is always a positive.
Cons
- Limited ink choices. With many brands, cartridges are available in a smaller range of colors and brands compared to bottled ink, which may limit your options.
- Compatibility issues. Not all fountain pens are compatible with all ink cartridges, so you may need to purchase specific cartridges for your pen.
- Environmental concerns. Cartridges generate more waste than using bottled ink and a converter, as they are typically made of plastic and are single-use.
Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
Get The FREE CheatsheetAre all fountain pen cartridges the same?
Nope!
When using cartridge fountain pens, it’s crucial to ensure that the ink cartridges are compatible with your pen. There are two main types of cartridge compatibility: standard international and proprietary.
Standard international cartridges are designed to fit a wide range of fountain pens, while proprietary cartridges are made specifically for one brand or model of pen.
Lamy is a brand that uses proprietary ink cartridge refills.
Think of this the same way as phone chargers. If you have a junk drawer full of different chargers from past phones, you know what I mean.
Oh, to live in a world of full ink cartridge compatibility.
To determine which type of cartridge is compatible with your fountain pen the first few times, you’ll need the manufacturer’s website. It’s also a good idea to keep a few extra cartridges on hand so you never run out of ink in the middle of writing your great American novel.
Most brands sell color cartridges in a six-pack. If you just want to use black or blue, you can get multi-packs with 12-30 fountain pen ink cartridges.
Compatibility is key here, so pay attention!
How to Convert to a Converter Pen
If you love the convenience of cartridge fountain pens but want to explore the world of bottled ink, you can easily convert your pen to use a converter. A fountain pen converter is a small, reusable device that allows you to draw ink from a bottle and use it in your pen.
To convert your pen:
- Remove the empty ink cartridge and replace it with a compatible converter — converters and cartridges click into the same place.
- Ensure the converter is securely attached to the pen’s nib unit.
- Then follow the instructions for filling the pen with bottled ink.
Now you can use a wide range of ink colors and brands while still using your favorite cartridge fountain pen. And if you want to go back to using it as a cartridge pen, it’s easy to pull out the converter and pop in your ink cartridge.
How to refill a fountain pen ink cartridge
If you’d like to reuse your ink cartridges and reduce waste, you can refill them using bottled ink. To do this, it’s really simple.
You need two things: a blunt-tip syringe and some bottled fountain pen ink.
Here’s how to refill your cartridge:
- Carefully clean the empty cartridge using water to remove any residual ink. I pre-clean them and let them dry overnight.
- Fill the syringe with ink from the bottle.
- Insert the syringe into the opening of the cartridge and slowly inject the ink. Leave a bit of space at the top.
- Carefully wipe any excess ink from the cartridge opening.
- Insert the refilled cartridge into your pen (listen for the click), and now you can start writing again with any ink.
This method can give you the best of both worlds. It opens up the kinds of ink you can use in your pen without needing to worry about converters. But cartridges typically don’t hold as much ink, so you may need to refill them more often (though that may be a positive for you too).
How to clean your cartridge fountain pen
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the performance of your cartridge fountain pen. I got more in-depth in this post on how to clean a fountain pen, but here are the basics:
- Remove the ink cartridge from the pen.
- Flush the pen with cool or warm water to remove any residual ink. You can use a bulb syringe or converter to push water through the nib and feed.
- Gently dry the pen with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- Rinse the pen thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
- Allow the pen to air-dry completely before reassembling and inserting a new ink cartridge.
A clean pen is a happy pen so give it a clean every time you switch out or refill ink cartridges.
FAQs on cartridge pens
Can I use any brand of ink cartridge in my cartridge fountain pen?
Not all ink cartridges are compatible with every pen. Check your pen’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website for information on compatible cartridges.
What should I do if my cartridge fountain pen is leaking?
First, ensure the ink cartridge is properly seated and secure. If it keeps leaking, clean the pen and check the nib and feed for any damage. If the problem continues, get in touch with your local pen repair shop or contact the manufacturer.
How often should I clean my cartridge fountain pen?
It’s a good idea to clean your pen every 4-6 weeks or whenever you change ink colors. Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal pen performance and prevents ink clogs.
Can I mix different brands of ink in my cartridge fountain pen?
It’s not recommended to mix different brands or types of ink, as this may cause clogs or other issues with your pen, but it’s not a hard and fast rule. You may have to do a little trial and error to see which pen inks are most compatible.
Always clean your pen thoroughly when switching between different inks.
How do I store my cartridge fountain pens when not in use?
When you’re not using your pen (how dare you!), store it with the nib pointing upwards to prevent ink from leaking. If you won’t be using the pen for an extended period, it’s best to remove the ink cartridge and clean the pen before storing it.
Don’t be afraid to try a cartridge pen
My first pen was a cartridge pen; they are an easy (and affordable) way to get into the world of fountain pens. And if you’re worried about being stuck with the same ink, just refill the cartridges — you’ll add a little less waste into the world and get to try new inks.
That’s a win-win.
Liz
Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
Get The FREE Cheatsheet