Cleaning A Discoloured Pen Nib

[Pimdtaun86]

Hello FPN'ers. I have a 1930s Sheaffer Lifetime with a gold nib which has become slightly stained / discoloured over time. Although the pen has been flushed with water which comes out clean, the nib is still a little stained and not perfectly gold and clean. What's the best way of cleaning it up again? Good old water and dish soap, or is there something else I should be using?

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Rogi]

Is the pen discolored from ink or is it patina that has occured from its long life ? A pic would be awesome and help in determining the case

[joss]

There is Rapido-eze pen cleaning solution but I would try first rinsing the nib (so the bottom part of the pen only) in water to which a few drops of household ammonia is added. You will be surprised how efficient it is.

[Pimdtaun86]

Is the pen discolored from ink or is it patina that has occured from its long life ? A pic would be awesome and help in determining the case

 

Here's a picture:

 

http://img4.imagetitan.com/img4/small/21/21_img_20200224_123711.jpg

 

It's a bit hard to see in the photo, but the nib looks "brassy" or copper coloured rather than clean and gold. I've been using Diamine Graphite ink in the pen which I thought would flush away easily with water, so I'm not sure if this is some kind of oxidation of the metal or something else entirely?

 

Would welcome any thoughts!

[Ron Z]

The gold of the nib is 14K, which means that it is an alloy, with the other metals usually copper and silver, which gives it strength and hardness. The gold does not tarnish, but the copper and silver will over time, regardless the ink that you use.

 

All that you need to polish the nib and bring back it's shiny gold appearance is a jewelers cloth. I use and recommend a Sunshine Cloth. Don't use any past or liquid polish on the nib. That can get into the slit, or down through the heart of the nib onto the feed, and cause flow problems.

[Pimdtaun86]

The gold of the nib is 14K, which means that it is an alloy, with the other metals usually copper and silver, which gives it strength and hardness. The gold does not tarnish, but the copper and silver will over time, regardless the ink that you use.

 

All that you need to polish the nib and bring back it's shiny gold appearance is a jewelers cloth. I use and recommend a Sunshine Cloth. Don't use any past or liquid polish on the nib. That can get into the slit, or down through the heart of the nib onto the feed, and cause flow problems.

 

Understood, that makes perfect sense and would explain why a flush with water hasn't made any difference.

 

Would this sort of cloth be suitable for using on a 14ct gold nib?

[GoldenNibs]

 

Understood, that makes perfect sense and would explain why a flush with water hasn't made any difference.

 

Would this sort of cloth be suitable for using on a 14ct gold nib?

You can use them on any precious metal including gold filled finishes. Dont get them wet though.

[CS388]

In the UK, you can get a jewellers' cloth on the high street, in shops like H Samuel etc.

 

I bought one over a decade ago and it's still going strong.

 

As others have said, it will shine your nib (and other metal pen parts) beautifully.

Make sure your nib is dry and the feed isn't full of ink, or you will spoil your new cloth!

 

Good luck

[Pimdtaun86]

Really helpful, thank you. There are several jeweller's near me so I will check them out.

 

I'm guessing I can also use it on my gold signet ring which is a nice bonus!

[rfenter]

Thanks for the help. I have a beautiful Waterman 55 now shining with a golden glow!

[PAKMAN]

Cheapest way is to get a walmart sunshine (jewelers ) cloth. Don't over polish, just a little will take care of it.