Using a dip pen

[markporter]

I bought myself a dip pen today, and have discovered that I really don't know how to use one. I got through the first page of writing a letter ok, but after that ink and paper decided to have a sulking fit and refused to meet each other. So, what's the trick? How far am I supposed to dip the thing? how much ink should be on the nib? Should I be using a different ink from that which I use in my fountian pen so that it flows nicely?

[markporter]

oops, wrong forum, sorry...if it could be moved that would be great.

[BillTheEditor]

It's better to use ink meant specifically for dip pens. This is sometimes called "drawing ink" or "calligraphy ink," or described as being for dip pens or quills. Check with your local art supply store, or see the listings online at dealers such as Dick Blick. Fountain pen ink tends not to work all that well with dip nibs, although of course it does work well enough to get by with if you can't get anything else.

 

Dip the pen into the ink until the little hole in the nib is completely submerged. If you have a nib without a little hole in it, then dip the pen until the top of the ink slit is submerged. Clean your nib after you are done writing with it, at least by wiping it with a lint-free cloth, and preferably by soaking it in cleaning fluid meant for the purpose (Higgins used to make this, not sure who does now). If you can't find cleaning fluid, dilute some household ammonia in water, put in a couple of drops of dishwashing detergent, and let the nibs soak overnight in this mixture. Rinse the fluid off with clear water, dry the nib completely, and put it away in a dry place.

 

With a new nib, you need to get the oil off the thing before you use it the first time. The oil is there to keep the nib from rusting before sale. Most people just put the new nib in their mouth for a second or two. If you are worried about where that nib may have been, then hold it in a candle flame for a second instead of putting it in your mouth.

 

Not all dip nibs are "good" right out of the package. They don't have any tipping. Most of them seem scratchy, even if they are perfectly usable. All dip nibs wear out after a time, depending on how much you use them and how much you flex them while writing. How long "a time" is therefore varies. I have "worn out" dip nibs in as little as a week, and I have others that I have had and used for many years. YMMV, as we say around here.

Edited May 30, 2007 by BillTheEditor

[Inky Pinky]

Another way to ink a dip pen is with a brush.

*Dip the brush in the ink.

*Scrape the brush against the side of the nib which transfers the ink.

 

A brush may give you more control than dipping the pen.

[wjellybelly]

you should check out iampeth.com They give you good tips on dip nibs and stuff like that. There is a finish that comes on all new dip pen nibs, so you should dip the nib in water first and take an eraser and rub off the finish. wipe the nib with a towel and you should be good to go.