How to Clean, Refill, Store, Parker Fountain Pen
Each Parker pen is crafted with exceptional skill, expertise, and passion and is designed to last a lifetime. For these timeless writing instruments to live up to their durability, acquiring a few skills in filling ink, replacing the cartridge, and maintaining the pen and its nib is enough.
You will see that even cleaning your pen can become a pleasant part of your writing ritual. You will learn how to properly fill a Parker fountain pen with ink and keep it clean so that the text flows on the paper and looks like new even after years in the article.
Description of the Parker fountain pen
In the picture on the right, you can see the individual parts of the fountain pen. Several other components inside ensure the smooth flow of ink onto the paper. This interconnected system consists of an ink reservoir, a delivery system, and a nib.
In general, the higher the range of the pen, the more complicated the nib is – higher quality materials, multiple layers of materials, and embellishments are used. Pen nibs are made of stainless steel, gold-plated stainless steel, or 23K gold. Whatever nib material you choose – expect wear and tear depending on your writing style (and precisely because of this unique wear, don’t lend your fountain pen to anyone). Regular cleaning of the pen will ensure its great functionality and the joy of writing.
How to clean a parker fountain pen
- This method of cleaning your fountain pen will allow you to keep the nib clean and thus maintain its perfect functionality.
- Prepare a glass (container) with clean water.
- Remove the cap and unscrew the pen body.
- Immerse the nib in water and rinse the ink with cold water using the filler (converter).
- Dry the pen with a soft cloth or paper towel.
You can then insert a new cartridge or filler. Screw the body and put the cap on.
How to refill a parker fountain pen using a converter
Topping up ink from a bottle requires the purchase of a so-called converter. You then have a continuous supply of ink at your disposal, and, in addition, you enrich your writing with a prestigious ritual. The converter also has a larger volume than the cartridges, requiring more frequent replacement.
- Open the ink bottle, remove the pen cap, and unscrew the body.
- Slowly dip the pen’s tip into the ink up to the grip.
- Then, stretch the ink by turning or pumping the piston.
- Pull the nib out of the ink and gently press the plunger to scan a few drops of ink.
- Dry the tip and grip with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- Screw the body, remove the last ink, and replace the cap.
How to replace a Parker fountain pen cartridge
Changing the fountain pen cartridge is faster and less complicated. If you are a supporter of bottled ink, the refill can come in handy, for example, on the go.
- Remove the pen cap and body.
- If you don’t have a spare cartridge immediately available, then chirp to the end of the cartridge to release an emergency supply of ink.
- Pull the empty cartridge out of the pen.
- Place the new cartridge and push slowly until you feel and hear the cartridge snap into place.
- Screw the body and put the cap on.
How to clean a Parker fountain pen nib
Cleaning your fountain pen should become a regular ink refilling ritual. This is the only way to keep your pen in top condition.
- Flushing the tip
- Remove the cartridge or converter.
- Rinse the tip and handle with cold water in a glass or other suitable container.
- A converter that you are not using for ink can be used to flush the nib by running cold water through the submerged nib and forcing the water out again.
- Lightly blow air through the clean tip assembly to remove any liquid from the tip.
- Dry the tip and grip with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Repeat this process several times, then dry the tip and grip with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Before placing a new ink cartridge (before filling the converter)
- Remove the grip from the water and rinse with a gentle stream of cold water.
- Gently blow into the tip assembly to remove excess water.
- I recommend drying the tip and grip with a soft cloth or paper towel.
- Now, you can place a new ink cartridge or converter in the grip. You can find the procedure above.
Clearing the Obstruction from a Clogged Pen Tip
- If the pen becomes clogged, immerse the nib and grip in a container of cold water.
- Leave the tip and grip to soak in this way for up to 24 hours. Parker ink is water soluble to remove dried ink.
How to store a Parker fountain pen
When the pen is not in use, store it with the tip up to prevent it from drying out or clogging. Place the pen in a case or other packaging to protect it from scratches and preserve its original appearance.
How to remove ink from clothes
Ink and stationery stain removers are commonly available on the market – especially if you’re working with bottled ink. It pays to have this cleaner on hand. As for ink stains on clothing, do not delay in removing them, as dried ink is much more difficult to remove than a fresh stain. The worst situation is when you expose a poorly washed stain to the dryer’s heat. The paint will harden with the heat and permanently damage the clothing.