Ink Coming Out From The Top Of Nib?

[kinson]

Hi guys,

 

I just bought my first fountain pen today (a Lamy Safari) and after using it for a while, I noticed that there are droplets of ink coming out from the top of the nib, which doesn't look very pretty. I wiped it off and it came back (tried this several times). Any suggestions? Picture below.

 

Thanks for any help in advance

 

http://img90.yfrog.com/img90/1194/p1130057.jpg

[niccig]

I believe this is called 'nip creep' and sometimes happens with various combinations of nibs/inks. I think there's a theory that micro-scratches on the nib from manufacturing can cause ink to 'wick' out. I'll let some of the more experienced folks recommend solutions All of my pens do this to some extent with some inks, but it doesn't really bother me.

[jar]

Yup, just nib creep, perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

[kinson]

Ah, cool. Thanks so much guys. I thought I got a defective nib or something. I guess it's just newbie jitters. Looking forward to enjoying the journey and forum Thanks again!

[stefanv]

I don't think this is normal nib creep. These look more like droplets, which suggests to me that there are still manufacturing oils on the surface of the nib (and probably in the slit too). I'd suggest flushing the pen with cool water with a drop of dish soap in it, and then several more times with straight water.

[kinson]

I don't think this is normal nib creep. These look more like droplets, which suggests to me that there are still manufacturing oils on the surface of the nib (and probably in the slit too). I'd suggest flushing the pen with cool water with a drop of dish soap in it, and then several more times with straight water.

 

 

Hrmm, ok. Not to "not take he doctor's orders", would it be OK if I tried it with water first? Soap sounds scary (in this case), lol.

[jar]

I don't think this is normal nib creep. These look more like droplets, which suggests to me that there are still manufacturing oils on the surface of the nib (and probably in the slit too). I'd suggest flushing the pen with cool water with a drop of dish soap in it, and then several more times with straight water.

 

 

Hrmm, ok. Not to "not take he doctor's orders", would it be OK if I tried it with water first? Soap sounds scary (in this case), lol.

 

A soap solution (use dishwashing liquid) won't hurt anything and is always a good idea. Just flush afterwards with clean water.

[andybiotic]

I don't think this is normal nib creep. These look more like droplets, which suggests to me that there are still manufacturing oils on the surface of the nib (and probably in the slit too). I'd suggest flushing the pen with cool water with a drop of dish soap in it, and then several more times with straight water.

 

 

Hrmm, ok. Not to "not take he doctor's orders", would it be OK if I tried it with water first? Soap sounds scary (in this case), lol.

 

 

Why would soap sound scary? Its a modern plastic pen, it can handle soap and other detergents just fine. You will eventually use ammonia to clean your pens and that is even "scarier" than soap! The reason to use soap is to get the oil (if any) off from your nib. Since oil is hydrophobic, it repels water so rinsing with water is like physically "wiping" it off but thats like washing your oily hands with drop by drop of water... will take forever! Detergent actually binds to the oil which makes it easier to rinse off.

[kinson]

I don't think this is normal nib creep. These look more like droplets, which suggests to me that there are still manufacturing oils on the surface of the nib (and probably in the slit too). I'd suggest flushing the pen with cool water with a drop of dish soap in it, and then several more times with straight water.

 

 

Hrmm, ok. Not to "not take he doctor's orders", would it be OK if I tried it with water first? Soap sounds scary (in this case), lol.

 

 

Why would soap sound scary? Its a modern plastic pen, it can handle soap and other detergents just fine. You will eventually use ammonia to clean your pens and that is even "scarier" than soap! The reason to use soap is to get the oil (if any) off from your nib. Since oil is hydrophobic, it repels water so rinsing with water is like physically "wiping" it off but thats like washing your oily hands with drop by drop of water... will take forever! Detergent actually binds to the oil which makes it easier to rinse off.

 

Ah, cool, thanks. I thought I read somewhere I shouldn't use soap, but I can't seem to find it, so I probably read that wrong, lol.

 

Btw, to flush I just dip it in a cup of water with some dish drops after removing the ink cartridge? Or does that mean the whole method like this video:

 

Sorry for the newbie questions. The video seems drastic, though, haha.

Edited May 24, 2011 by kinson

[andybiotic]

 

 

Sorry for the newbie questions. The video seems drastic, though, haha.

 

 

You can do that in the video if you have the syringe etc, but other wise just put the whole thing (the section and the nib but if you want to clean the barrel too) into a bowl of soapy water, as long as you rinse the soap off (and run water through the section so it drips out of the nib) and dry it afterward, you will be fine. In fact, I think you can remove the nib very easily with a safari (do exchange it from a fine nib to a italic all the time!) and the more you can disassemble it the better it cleans.

 

Honestly, you need to be quite harsh on it to do any damage on that pen. I have a safari too, I soaked it in all kind of detergent and ammonia solution etc and it is still working fine.

 

The only reason I can think of that you may not want to use soap is when you DONT rinse it clean and soap residues remains in the pen and that can make your ink run like water, but thats not damage on the pen itself.

Edited May 24, 2011 by andybiotic

[AVITWeb]

I typically soak mine over night in just plain water.

Then rinse and let dry, again overnight, or longer depending on if it is still wet.

 

If I still have a little bit of ink (ie, the pen hasn't been used in a long time)

they I try the soap. If you are using the LAMY inks, the water alone usually takes care of the problem though.

Edited May 24, 2011 by AVITWeb

[andybiotic]

 

 

Sorry for the newbie questions. The video seems drastic, though, haha.

 

 

I've seen that video before, everything is good and standard procedure. The only thing that is not right is how clean the desk is! I am sure many people will agree with me that when you are fooling around with your pens, your desk gets real messy! :roflmho: bits of section here a few nibs over there, ink bottles scatter around all corners of the surface and most importantly, pieces of wet/inked tissue wherever you reach!

[OMASmaniac]

yep I agree, don't worry about the soap. I used it for much more expensive pens without any problem

 

Anyway, I personally think it's just normal nib creep. Nothing you should worry about, every pen shows some signs of it. When you discover the wonderful world of Noodler's inks, then you'll understand the real meaning of "nib creep"

[andybiotic]

yep I agree, don't worry about the soap. I used it for much more expensive pens without any problem

 

Anyway, I personally think it's just normal nib creep. Nothing you should worry about, every pen shows some signs of it. When you discover the wonderful world of Noodler's inks, then you'll understand the real meaning of "nib creep"

 

 

And that is one of the joys of using a fountain pen, you get to try out different inks in different colours!

 

Does the ink come out when you write or after you put your cap on?

[kinson]

Ok guys, dunked the metal tip into a bowl of water with a little soap many times....dried off most of the water. It's still happening, though, nut sure if it's slightly less. Hopefully it's just normal nib creep like you guys say, hehe.

 

Love the speed of response on this forum, hahah, awesome

[andybiotic]

Ok guys, dunked the metal tip into a bowl of water with a little soap many times....dried off most of the water. It's still happening, though, nut sure if it's slightly less. Hopefully it's just normal nib creep like you guys say, hehe.

 

Love the speed of response on this forum, hahah, awesome

 

Sometimes you can not avoid it and it really sometimes depends on the ink you use, some creep more than others. As long as it is not dripping our and getting the inside of your cap and your hands all wet, its OK.

 

Now, I understand that it is your first pen and you are being very careful not to damage it and all but just so you know, the oil may not just be on the surface of the nib, there can be oil residue in the section and feed as well, so to thoroughly clean it you do want to run soapy water through the pen not just dipping it... But hey, its a good habit to be careful with pens especially when you get to vintage pens...

 

 

Well people on fpn are usually nice and quick... but I wish someone can answer MY topic!

[ThirdeYe]

kinson - I got my first Lamy Safari for my birthday back in February and I've noticed the something similar. In my case at least, it doesn't seem to be traditional nib creep that I get with Noodler's inks. I've noticed that when I uncap the pen, the pressure change sucks a little drop of ink out of the breather hole and as I write, it retracts back into the pen but leaves some residue behind. What ink are you using in the pen? The provided Lamy Blue cartridge? Your situation might just be regular nib creep, though.

 

Best,

Derek

Edited May 24, 2011 by ThirdeYe

[kinson]

kinson - I got my first Lamy Safari for my birthday back in February and I've noticed the something similar. In my case at least, it doesn't seem to be traditional nib creep that I get with Noodler's inks. I've noticed that when I uncap the pen, the pressure change sucks a little drop of ink out of the breather hole and as I write, it retracts back into the pen but leaves some residue behind. What ink are you using in the pen? The provided Lamy Blue cartridge? Your situation might just be regular nib creep, though.

 

Best,

Derek

 

 

Actually Derek, you might be on to something. It only happens when I recap and reopen the pen. When I leave it lying around without a cap, it's fine. So it's the vacuum/pressure thing then? It's the stock Lamy blue cartridge that came with it.

[DanDeM]

Safari nibs are easily swapped-out by sliding the nib/feed parts out of the section. Are you sure that yours are securely in place?

Hold the nib at the base with two fingers and push it firmly into the section. A small fraction of an inch can make a difference.

Hope this helps.

[kinson]

Safari nibs are easily swapped-out by sliding the nib/feed parts out of the section. Are you sure that yours are securely in place?

Hold the nib at the base with two fingers and push it firmly into the section. A small fraction of an inch can make a difference.

Hope this helps.

 

I pushed it firmly just to confirm, but seems the same. Suspect it's really that pressure thing mentioned 2 posts above. I left it uncapped on the table for 15 mins, and nothing happened. Then I tried putting the cap back on and off again quickly, and instantly there was ink on the top. Hrmmm..

 

On a side note, it seems that the ink is a lot darker after I left the pen on the table uncapped, strange.