Vintage, Nos Dip Nibs - How To Prep

[AAAndrew]

i was playing with a bundle of old dip pen nibs I've somehow acquired over the years and some of them are obviously unused. These nibs usually can't hold much ink if any. I've heard about wiping with acetone, burning, etc...

 

If I have some old nibs, especially the couple that look plated (Nickel? Chrome?) what is the best way to prepare so they hold ink well? I do have one example that shows me what it should, or can be. It's my favorite, a Hoosier Record #5, flexible fine stub. It also holds a relative ton of ink.

 

What should I do to help my others hold more ink without hurting them?

 

Thanks!

[ac12]

I just use 90% rubbing alcohol. Make sure that the inert ingredient is WATER. Some rubbing alcohol has other "stuff" in it that will coat the nib, not good when you are trying to clean the nib. Make a pad with toilet tissue, put on some alcohol and scrub the nib. Alcohol takes off oils also. I clean it twice, the first time gets most of the gunk off, the 2nd time is to clean off the left-overs. Acetone should also work for cleaning off the manufacturing oils.

 

I will also wipe the nib just before using it with alcohol. This seems to let the ink stick to the nib better than plain water. Similarly when I clean the nib for an ink change, I will wipe it with alcohol as the last cleaning step, for the same reason, for the ink to stick to the nib.

 

I've read about others brushing the nib with toothpaste to clean a new nib.

 

Both of these are non risky vs. using an open flame where you "could" affect the tempering. Although I think that affecting the temper of the metal would require more heat than a match.

Edited July 4, 2015 by ac12

[Randal6393]

ac12 has a great cleaning routine. Only thing I would add is to make sure you do not touch or handle the cleaned nib with your fingers. Don't want to add oil back to the nib.

 

For a video, check out openinkstand.com on setting up a dip pen and getting one ready to write. Shin has some great tips.

 

Enjoy,