Most times, we face problems such as blotting from the pens we purchase, including the ones from our favourite brand. While these problems rarely happen, they can mess up our writing in a minute when they occur.
However, since ink blotting seems to be one of the popular issues people face when using fountain pens, then it needs to be solved. So, we came up with ways to stop pens from blotting to help others.
Below are the ways to stop your pen from blotting.
- Use a better quality paper.
- Use a finer nib.
- Compress the tines of the pen.
- Use drier ink.
- Use a dry writing pen.
- Use a pen with a hole in the pull cap.
Contents
6 Expert Ways To Stop Pen From Blotting
1. Use a better quality paper
Sometimes, the problem isn’t from the pen you use, but the kind of paper you use. If you are using a luxurious fountain pen, then you need premium paper. The regular paper will cause blotting when writing.
If the paper is too porous for your fountain pen, it will certainly blot. You can purchase books with premium papers like Romeo Japanese Notebook, Clairefontaine “Triomphe” Stationery Tablet, and so on. Do not use laser papers when using fountain pens.
2. Use a finer nib
Luxurious pen nibs are crafted with good material to make writing comfortable. However, some of these nibs cause the pen to bleed. Since these pens are released in different ranges and editions, the nib creation would also be different.
To stop your pen from blotting, you should use a finer nib or point of the pen so that the ink will not be pooled much. When you use either a finer nib or point of the pen, the ink flow will be reduced when landing on the paper surface and trickle through the paper matrix.
For example, rollerball pens have a tremendous propensity to seep through paper more than ballpoint or gel pens. Likewise, large ballpoint pens have an enormous propensity to trickle more than medium or fine points.
3. Compress the tines of the pen
Some pens bleed more than others, so one way to stop the bleeding is by compressing the ink flow of the pen. For the compression, you might need to take the pen to an expert.
Also, you should not add too much pressure when using it, just a light touch. When you apply too much pressure, the ink would overflow causing it to blot.
4. Use drier ink
There are different types of ink for these pens which include dry ink and waterman ink. So, the kind of pen you use matters.
If you want to stop your pen from blotting, you should purchase and use dry inks. In this case, it is advisable to use ballpoint pens or gel pens.
Although the use of drier ink helps more for painting rather than blotting, you’d still see a minor difference there. Try your best to check out for inks that would not blot when you use them. If you own a wet fountain pen, you should use dry ink.
5. Use a dry writing pen
While dry ink can be an option to stop your wet Fountain pen from bleeding, changing the wet fountain pen to a dry one can also solve the problem. When you use a dry writing pen, the nibs will plop the inkless voluntarily which will stop bleeding.
6. Use a pen with a hole in the pull cap
Another way to stop the pen from blotting is by using a pull cap with a hole to prevent vacuum build-up. A pen with a pull cap without a hole in it can create a vacuum for some seconds when you remove it, which will make the pen nib overflow the ink.
When this happens, a lot of ink would be on your paper when you start writing leading to blotting. The problem can be persistent and affect the function of the pen. So, go for the pull cap with a hole to prevent blotting issues.
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How do I make my pen write smoothly?
It can be disheartening when your fountain pen doesn’t write smoothly as you expected. Since you can’t just abandon it, you need to look for a solution to make it write properly.
You can make your pen write smoothly on your own without taking it to a professional. Also, it won’t take much of your time or cost you much. Below is how to make your pen write smoothly.
Materials
- White vinegar (you can something else that’s acidic like Ammonia).
- Lukewarm water.
- Micromesh stick- Micro-Mesh 3 x 4 Soft TouchPads.
- Pen flush – The Ultimate Fountain Pen Flush — Over 100 Uses Per Kit!
Step 1
Unfasten the nib of the pen to treat it separately.
Step 2
Once the nib is separated from the main pen, clean it and rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Step 3
Put two spoons of vinegar in a small bowl and put the nib in it. Nb- do the same with any other acidic product you intend to use.
Step 4
Clean the main pen (the ink reservoir in the pen) and soak it in lukewarm water all night.
Step 5
Use a pen flush to flush the pen’s reservoir after soaking it overnight.
Step 6
If you notice that the pen’s nib is scratchy, use the micromesh stick you bought to smoothen it.
Step 7
Ensure you clean your pen regularly to make it write smoothly and to stop it from clogging. So, technically, maintenance is the key to having a smooth pen.
Why won’t my fountain pen write smoothly?
Your fountain pen can’t just stop writing smoothly without an evident reason, you probably didn’t notice them. So, let’s find out why your fountain pen won’t write smoothly.
Feed or reservoir issue
Perhaps you don’t know you have to always maintain your pen to stop it from clogging, blotting, or bleeding. Once the reservoir or feed of the pen is clogged, it would be hard for it to write smoothly.
Damaged nib
The nib in a fountain pen is a crucial tool that controls the writing experience. The nibs have a lot of benefits in the pen. However, once it’s damaged, it will affect a lot of things. Your pen can be ruined completely. So, it needs to be well-configured, and in its right shape to give you a smooth writing experience.
Bad quality paper and wrong ink
To write smoothly and to avoid any form of blotting you need to purchase premium paper. You should purchase a notebook with the smoothest paper. For instance, you can use Clairefontaine’s “Triomphe” Stationery Tablet to write smoothly with your pen.
The kind of ink you use also matters. You shouldn’t use dry ink for a dry pen. Instead, use dry ink for wet pens, and vice versa. There are different types of ink, just ensure you use the right one for your pen to write smoothly.
FAQs
Why do pens stop working when they still have ink?
Your pen can stop working when it still has ink if the unused ink has been exposed to air. Also, it can stop working when the feed of the pen is clogged. This is why it is always advised to cover the pen when it is not in use, and always maintain your pen.
A fountain pen isn’t just like the regular pen you use, so they need to be maintained (cleaned). That is why they are called luxurious pens. Once you don’t clean them, with time, they won’t function well.
However, you can do the simple method by shaking the pen (upward and downward motion) continuously to awaken the ink. You can also use the pen flush to disclog the ink in the pen.
Are fountain pens messy?
No, fountain pens are not messy. If your fountain pen is working properly, it shouldn’t be messy. The only reason why fountain pens can get messy is when you don’t carry them properly. It can also get messy when any of the parts are damaged or when you are adding ink to it.
For instance, when the nib of your pen is misconfigured or loosened, the ink will flow freely causing it to get messy. So, when you notice anything wrong with your pen, ensure you fix it.
Is it hard to write with a fountain pen?
No, writing a fountain pen isn’t hard. You shouldn’t add much pressure when writing with a fountain pen. The pen has been made easier without any causing fatigue when using it.
Conclusion- How To Stop Pen From Blotting
Blotting pens can mess up your writing and it is one problem that a lot of people face. Fortunately, there are ways you can stop your pen from blotting. When your pen isn’t writing smoothly, you won’t enjoy your writing.
However, maintenance is the key to having a smooth writing pen. Ensure you follow the steps provided in this article. Also, click on the links to the products recommended. Good luck.
