How to Care for Your Scriveiner Fountain Pen

Kirsty Cameron
2025-06-26T08:26:16+01:00

Owning a fountain pen in the modern digital era is a proudly personal gesture. It opens a whole new world of beautifully engineered stationery: tools that bring understated luxury and refinement to your daily routine.

At Scriveiner, we believe in creating writing instruments that are both elegant and enduring. Whether you're journaling, signing letters, or simply enjoying the rhythm of ink on paper, your pen deserves the same quiet attention it gives to your thoughts.

Fortunately, caring for your fountain pen is simpler than you might expect. From cleaning and refilling to avoiding maintenance mistakes, we're here to show you how we do it at Scriveiner.

Fountain pen care refers to the basic practices of storing, cleaning, and refilling a fountain pen to preserve consistent ink flow, protect the nib and feed, and maintain the pen’s long-term performance.

How to Store Your Fountain Pen

Your premium fountain pen is designed to be carried and enjoyed, but how you store it between uses can make a significant difference in its performance and longevity.

While in Use

When you’re writing regularly, your pen will stay in good working order with minimal effort.

Keep the cap on when not writing. This prevents the nib from drying out and helps maintain consistent ink flow.

Store horizontally or with the nib pointing upward. This avoids ink collecting in the nib or leaking into the cap.

Protect the pen from extremes, such as leaving it near a radiator or in direct sunlight, as heat can cause the ink to expand and leak. The same applies to extreme cold temperatures, as the cartridges can explode and leak.

Inked but Not Actively Used

If your pen is filled, but taking a short break:

Use it at least once a week to keep the ink fresh and flowing.

If unused for longer than two weeks, it’s best to flush the ink out and store it clean to prevent clogs or drying.

When Empty

After cleaning and drying, store your pen safely:

In a pen case or sleeve to protect the finish.

Or upright in a pen cup or holder, ideally with the nib facing upward.

These simple habits go a long way toward keeping your pen writing effortlessly, year after year.

How to Refill Your Fountain Pen

Your Scriveiner fountain pen can be filled in two ways: using the converter (for bottled ink) or a cartridge. Each has its place. Bottled ink offers a world of colours and a touch of ceremony, while cartridges are ideal for quick, mess-free refills.

Using the Converter

The converter comes pre-installed in your pen and allows you to draw ink directly from a bottle.

Here’s how to refill it:

1. Unscrew the barrel of your pen and submerge the nib fully into the ink bottle.

2. Twist the converter’s piston to draw ink up through the nib.

3. Expel any trapped air by twisting the piston back down, then fill again.

4. Repeat once or twice to ensure a full and clean fill.

5. Wipe the nib and grip section gently with a soft cloth or tissue.

Using an Ink Cartridge

For those on the go, cartridges are a quick and easy option.

To insert a cartridge:

1. Gently push the cartridge into the grip section until you feel it puncture and click into place.

2. Wait a few moments for the ink to flow to the nib.

3. Scribble a few lines on paper to help the ink reach the tip.

An expert tip for cartridge users: if the ink doesn’t come out after a few scribbles, try running the nib under warm water (not piping hot, please be gentle) for a little bit. Then try scribbling again. Enjoy the effortless and even flow.

Whether you refill daily or once a month, the process always feels like part of the pleasure of owning a fountain pen. Especially, if you’re holding a Scriveiner.

How to Clean Your Fountain Pen

Cleaning your Scriveiner fountain pen is neither complicated nor time-consuming. A gentle rinse now and then will keep the ink flowing as it should, protect your nib from clogging, and preserve the richness of your ink colours.

When and Why to Clean a Fountain Pen

Every few weeks, especially if you write often or use richly pigmented or shimmery ink.

When switching ink colours, particularly from dark to light shades.

If the flow feels uneven or the nib seems dry despite having ink.

Fountain Pen Cleaning Steps

1. Remove the cartridge or converter from the pen.

2. Hold the nib under cool or lukewarm running water to rinse out ink.

3. If using a converter, draw water in and out until it runs clear.

4. Pat dry with a soft cloth, then let the pen air-dry nib-down on a paper towel.

5. Only reassemble and refill once completely dry.

Fountain Pen Maintenance Myths

Fountain pens may seem delicate, but they’re often sturdier and more forgiving than people assume. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions so you can care for your pen with confidence.

Myth 1: You need to disassemble the pen completely to clean it.

No, and please don’t.
Scriveiner fountain pens are designed to be easily maintained without taking them apart completely. Simply removing the converter or cartridge is all that’s required for cleaning.
Disassembling the feed or nib can cause misalignment or wear, especially if done repeatedly or without proper tools.

Instead, try flushing with water through the nib, and let your Scriveiner pen dry thoroughly.

Myth 2: An ultrasonic cleaner is the best way to clean dried ink

Not always.

Ultrasonic baths can help with severe ink buildup, but they’re not suited for all pens. Delicate finishes, lacquer coatings, and gilded nibs (like ours) can be damaged by prolonged ultrasonic exposure.

Instead, try soaking the nib section in water for up to 24 hours, and gently removing sturdy dried ink with a gentle brush. Do not soak materials that are prone to corrosion; this method works only with stainless or gold nibs.

Myth 3: Any ink works the same way in a fountain pen

No, and this is where things can go wrong.

India ink, calligraphy ink, or pigment-heavy formulas can clog or corrode a fountain pen. Even some shimmering inks, while safe, require extra cleaning discipline. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid them entirely. You just need to know how to treat them well:

Use them in pens you clean regularly, ideally every 1–2 weeks.

Flush the pen before switching colours and textures of the ink, especially between shimmer and standard ones.

Give the bottle a gentle swirl before filling, rather than shaking (which can introduce bubbles).

Avoid letting the ink dry inside the pen; this is when clogging tends to happen.

If possible, use a converter rather than a cartridge, so the ink flows more easily and can be flushed out more thoroughly.

Elegance, after all, is in the details

Your fountain pen is a companion for ideas and reflections. It helps your thoughts find their way out, becoming the foundation for new beginnings, creative endeavours, and lasting achievements. And like any well-made instrument, a good fountain pen requires a little care.

Your Scriveiner pen won’t ask for much. Store it thoughtfully. Refill with care. Clean gently. And use with intention. Let the words you write with it bring you joy and fulfilment.

Because a beautifully engineered pen is meant to be used and enjoyed. For years to come.