{"id":4430,"date":"2020-02-28T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T08:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/?p=4430"},"modified":"2020-02-18T17:10:21","modified_gmt":"2020-02-18T17:10:21","slug":"how-to-use-fountain-pen-ink-converters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/pens\/fountain-pens\/how-to-use-fountain-pen-ink-converters\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use fountain pen ink converters"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Fountain pens were initially created due to people becoming increasingly annoyed at the inconvenience of having to dip a pen to refill the ink repeatedly.<\/p>\n

Over time, the fountain pen has become a lavish piece of writing equipment that has a smooth flow and allows writers to experiment with different colours of ink and styles of handwriting through nib size.<\/p>\n

As fountain pens<\/a> use liquid ink, it is argued that you will likely have fewer issues with hand fatigue and cramping than with a ballpoint pen as you do not have to press down to write. While fountain pens offer a luxurious writing experience, they do require some maintenance, for example, the changing of an ink cartridge or the refilling of an ink converter.<\/p>\n

We’ve compiled some information below about using fountain pen ink converters, for those of you who are new to them.<\/p>\n

What is a fountain pen ink converter?<\/h2>\n

An ink converter is a device that allows you to refill a fountain pen from bottled ink<\/a>, rather than using the standard ink cartridges<\/a>. Unlike cartridges, bottled inks offer a plethora of choice regarding colours and brands which makes them a rather popular way to refill a fountain pen.<\/p>\n

What types of ink converters are there?<\/h2>\n

There are different types of fountain pen ink converters that are used in similar, yet different ways. Below is a list of the different ink converters available:<\/p>\n

Piston converter<\/h3>\n

A piston ink converter is the most common variety. It works through the user twisting the knob at the end of the converter. This moves the piston up and down, creating a vacuum that draws ink up into the pen.<\/p>\n

Squeeze converter<\/h3>\n

Squeeze converters are older in design than piston converters and are quite simple to use. Squeezing the air out and then releasing it creates a vacuum that draws ink up into the pen.<\/p>\n

Push-button converter<\/h3>\n

The push-button converter is the least common variety and can hold a lot of ink. However, they require more precision and are harder to clean than other converters.<\/p>\n

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How do you use a fountain pen ink converter?<\/h2>\n

Although there are different types of ink converter, they all work in very similar ways. Below are step-by-step instructions of how to use any ink converter.<\/p>\n

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  1. Disassemble your fountain pen. Remove the cap and unscrew the grip section.<\/li>\n
  2. Insert the chosen converter into your pen\u2019s grip section.<\/li>\n
  3. Dip the nib into bottled ink \u2013 make sure the whole nib is submerged in ink.<\/li>\n
  4. This step depends on what kind of converter you have:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    a) Piston<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Twist the knob to lower the piston and expel air from the pen; it is normal to notice air bubbles. Twist the knob the other way to raise the piston and draw ink into the converter.<\/p>\n

    b) Squeeze<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Slowly squeeze and release the bag or sack with your fingers, making sure to do this slowly. Repeat, and a vacuum will be created, drawing the ink into the converter.<\/p>\n

    c) Push-button<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Push and release the tap button. Repeat this, and the ink will be drawn into the converter.<\/p>\n

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    1. Wipe the nib on a paper towel to absorb any excess ink.<\/li>\n
    2. Reassemble your pen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Top tips for fountain pen ink converters<\/h2>\n

      On some occasions, you may find that your ink converter does not seem to be working. It is essential to check the following things:<\/p>\n