A handcrafted pen is a unique blend of artistry and function. Proper care ensures its beauty and performance last for years. Below are tips for maintaining the wood, acrylic materials, and the specific pen type—fountain, rollerball, or ballpoint, plus troubleshooting for fountain pens and rollerballs.
Caring for the Wood
The wood in your pen is a natural material that deserves gentle care to preserve its beauty and prevent damage. Unlike many pen makers who use a CA finish—resulting in a plastic-like feel that disconnects you from the wood—we prioritize authenticity. We use a friction polish to enhance the wood’s natural texture, offering a real, tactile connection with every touch. While this method skips the glossy coating of CA, it ensures your pen feels as genuine as the craftsmanship behind it:
Keep it Clean: Wipe the pen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, or oils from your hands. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Avoid Moisture: Prolonged exposure to water can warp or crack the wood. Store the pen in a dry place and dry your hands before use.
Maintain the Wood: Over time, the wood may lose its luster due to handling or environmental exposure. To keep it looking its best, periodically clean it with a slightly damp cloth (if needed) followed by immediate drying with a soft cloth.
Rewaxing: To restore the finish and protect the wood, rewax it every 3-6 months or when the surface feels dry or dull. Use a small amount of renaissance wax, carnauba wax, or a wood-safe polish. Apply it with a soft cloth in a thin, even layer, let it sit for a few minutes, then buff gently with a clean microfiber cloth for a smooth, protective shine. Test on a small area first to ensure compatibility with the original finish.
Control Temperature: Store the pen away from extreme heat or cold (e.g., direct sunlight or freezing conditions) to prevent expansion or contraction of the wood.
Handle with Care: Avoid dropping the pen, as wood can dent or splinter on impact.
Caring for Acrylic
Acrylic pens, crafted from vibrant materials like Multi Coloured Acrylic, are prized for their glossy finish and durability. While acrylic is more resistant to environmental factors than wood, proper care will keep it looking pristine:
Keep it Clean: Wipe the acrylic with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, or smudges. For tougher marks, use a slightly damp cloth with a drop of mild dish soap, then dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or ammonia, as they can damage the finish.
Prevent Scratches: Acrylic can scratch if mishandled. Store the pen in a protective case or pouch when not in use, and avoid contact with abrasive surfaces or sharp objects.
Polish for Shine: To restore the glossy finish, use a plastic polish (like Novus #2) or a non-abrasive car polish. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, buff gently in circular motions, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Test on a small area first.
Avoid Extreme Heat: Prolonged exposure to high heat (e.g., leaving the pen in a hot car) can soften or warp acrylic. Store in a cool, stable environment.
Handle with Care: While acrylic is durable, avoid dropping the pen, as impacts can cause cracks or chips.
Caring for Fountain Pens
Fountain pens use liquid ink and require regular maintenance for smooth writing:
Clean Regularly: Flush the pen with lukewarm water every 4-6 weeks (or when switching ink colors) until the water runs clear. Use a bulb syringe or converter for best results. Avoid hot water, which can damage seals.
Use Fresh Ink: Only use fountain pen-friendly ink, and avoid leaving ink in the pen for weeks without use, as it can dry and clog the feed.
Cap It: Always cap the pen when not in use to prevent the nib from drying out.
Store Properly: Store upright (nib up) or flat in a case when not in use for long periods to prevent leaks.
Fountain Pen Troubleshooting:
Ink Won’t Flow: If the pen skips or won’t write, it may be clogged. Flush it with lukewarm water or a 1:10 ammonia-water solution (then rinse thoroughly). If unused for a while, dried ink might be the culprit—clean it thoroughly.
Leaking: Check for cracks in the barrel or a loose nib. Tighten the nib assembly if possible, or avoid overfilling the ink reservoir.
Scratchy Nib: The tines may be misaligned. Gently press the nib on paper to realign, or seek a professional if it persists.
Ink Dries Too Fast: Use a wetter ink or clean the feed to ensure proper flow. Cap the pen immediately after use.
Caring for Rollerball Pens
Rollerballs use gel or liquid ink, offering a balance between fountain and ballpoint pens:
Wipe the Tip: After use, gently wipe the tip with a soft cloth to remove excess ink and prevent buildup.
Cap Securely: Always replace the cap or retract the tip to keep the ink from drying out.
Refill Promptly: Replace the refill when ink runs low to avoid straining the mechanism.
Store Flat: Lay the pen horizontally when not in use to maintain even ink flow.
Rollerball Pen Troubleshooting:
Ink Stops Flowing: Dried ink may have clogged the tip. Wipe it with a damp cloth, then dry it. If it persists, soak the tip in warm water for a few minutes (avoid submerging the wood or acrylic), then dry and test.
Blotchy Writing: The refill might be low or the ink uneven. Replace the refill or shake it gently to redistribute the ink.
Leaks at the Tip: Ensure the refill is seated properly. Excess ink could mean overpressure—wipe the tip and store horizontally.
Tip Feels Sticky: Clean the tip with a soft, damp cloth to remove dried ink residue, then dry thoroughly.
Caring for Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoints use thicker, oil-based ink and are low-maintenance but still benefit from care:
Keep it Moving: Write with the pen occasionally to prevent the ink from drying at the tip. If it skips, scribble on scrap paper to get it flowing.
Clean the Tip: Wipe the ballpoint tip with a soft cloth if ink builds up or it’s been unused for a while.
Avoid Pressure: Don’t press too hard while writing, as this can damage the ball mechanism.
Store Anywhere: Ballpoints are durable—store them upright, flat, or in a pocket as needed.
Final Tips
Store your pen in a protective case or pouch when traveling to shield it from scratches or impact.
Enjoy your pen! Regular use keeps the mechanism in good condition and lets you appreciate its craftsmanship.
Discover our selection of Cases. Click an image to view the Pen Case.
