How to Write With a Fountain Pen

By Liz •  Updated: 04/13/23 •  7 min read

I love writing with fountain pens. But, I’d admit, it took me a minute to get used to them.

There’s a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to these pens — it’s not as easy as swapping out a Bic with a Lamy and calling it a day (no offense, Bic).

And even within different types of fountain pens, there are little tweaks you may need to make to get the best experience.

But if you’re new to pens and want to improve your writing technique, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my best tips for learning how t write with a fountain pen.

Let’s dive in!

Get to know the parts of your fountain pen

Understanding the various components of a fountain pen is essential for writing effectively. You need to know how a fountain pen works to get the most of out it.

lamy fountain pen ink converter

Here are the main parts of a fountain pen:

Choosing the right fountain pen

Picking the perfect fountain pen is a personal decision. There’s a lot that goes into it, especially because pens come in all shapes, sizes, operating systems, and designs. Factors like size, weight, and ink system all play a role.

So while it may take a bit of trial and error (and spending a few hours at your local pen shop), it’s worth it to figure out your preferences.

Here are some aspects to consider:

I tend to stick with medium-weight pens with fine nibs and converter ink systems. But that’s taken some time to figure out.

Prepare your fountain pen for writing

Hold your horses. Before you start writing, there are a few things to dig into.

How to hold a fountain pen

Holding a fountain pen differs from using a ballpoint or rollerball pen. This is where a lot of people get into trouble, myself included.

I tend to grip a pen hard. And while that’s fine for a ballpoint pen, it makes for a crappy experience writing with a fountain pen.

So start by gripping the pen between your thumb and index finger, resting on your middle finger. Ensure the nib’s top faces upwards and the feed is in contact with the paper.

Keep a relaxed grip to prevent cramping and allow for smooth writing. If you find the nib is scratching the paper, chances are you’re holding your pen too hard.

Also, practice changing the angle you write with. Depending on the width of your nib, you can build a really cool style of penmanship.

Writing techniques

To write effectively with a fountain pen, keep the following techniques in mind:

Explore fountain pen inks

Fountain pen inks play a vital role in your writing experience. Plus, experimenting with different inks adds to the fun of writing.

Here’s what you need to know:

I use a little blank notebook to keep track of the various ink samples I use.

Choose the right paper

The right paper can enhance your fountain pen experience. Look for paper that is fountain pen friendly, with a smooth surface and minimal feathering, bleeding, or show-through. Brands like Rhodia and Tomoe River offer high-quality options.

I frequently use a Leuchtturm1917 notebook for most of my day-to-day writing.

Editor's Choice: My Favorite Notebook
LEUCHTTURM1917 - Hardcover Notebook
$25.21

This is my notebook of choice. I love my 1917 and have been using them for years.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/13/2024 12:43 am GMT

Troubleshooting common issues

Fountain pen users may encounter occasional issues. Most problems usually come down to two main culprits:

Cleaning and maintenance

Proper care ensures the longevity of your fountain pen. Clean your pen every 4-8 weeks or when changing inks. Disassemble the pen according to the manufacturer’s instructions, flush the nib and feed with water, and allow it to dry before reassembling.

Start writing

Now you know the basics of how to write with a fountain pen, it’s time to start. So what are you waiting for? Grab a pen and experiment.

FAQs

How often should I clean my fountain pen?
Clean your pen every 4-8 weeks, or when changing ink colors or brands to maintain optimal performance.

What is the best paper for fountain pens?
Choose fountain pen-friendly paper with a smooth surface and minimal feathering, bleeding, or show-through. Brands like Rhodia, Clairefontaine, and Tomoe River are popular choices.

Can I use any ink in my fountain pen?
Use fountain pen-specific inks, as they are formulated for compatibility and optimal performance. Avoid India ink, calligraphy ink, or other inks not designed for fountain pens, as they can clog or damage the pen.

Why is my fountain pen skipping?
Skipping can be caused by several factors, such as clogged ink channels, misaligned nibs, or low-quality paper. Clean your pen, adjust the nib if necessary, or try different paper to resolve the issue.

Can I travel with a fountain pen?
Yes, but take precautions to avoid ink leakage due to changes in air pressure. Travel with your pen stored nib-up or empty and carry extra cartridges or a small ink bottle for refilling as needed. Using a pen with a secure cap and a reliable ink-sealing mechanism can also help prevent leaks during travel.

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.