What materials are safe for pen storage?

[nluoma]

I'm making a pen case, actually a scroll, and want to use a pen safe material for the inner panel. Are there any materials I should avoid? I've considered Polar Fleece, (good) felt, or chamois (real or synthetic). All would be ideal, as they don't fray.

Polar Fleece would be the least expensive, but is completely synthetic.

Felt is the next most expensive, and I would be using a high wool count felt as it wears better.

Chamois is the hardest to work with (it's very stretchy), but I think it might be the safest around pens.

Any feedback on these, or recommendations for another fabric, would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[FrankB]

I am in no way even conversant on materials for pen storage. I am curious whether you are intending to make these pen scrolls for yourself, or for sale. I have used chamois cloth for car care and some home cleaning for many years and I love the stuff. I can not imagine how difficult the material would be to work with, or what price you would have to charge for such a scroll. But I think it would be super neat to have a chamois lined pen case, and I would spring for one.

[Lloyd]

I made a pen wrap from the thickest polar fleece. I think it is 300 weight. It gives a lot of natural padding and it's too soft to scratch. I've kept my Pilot Custom 743 in there for a long time without a problem. Before that, I carried a Densho in it.

[pen2paper]

I'm making a pen case, actually a scroll, and want to use a pen safe material for the inner panel. Are there any materials I should avoid? I've considered Polar Fleece, (good) felt, or chamois (real or synthetic). All would be ideal, as they don't fray.

Polar Fleece would be the least expensive, but is completely synthetic.

Felt is the next most expensive, and I would be using a high wool count felt as it wears better.

Chamois is the hardest to work with (it's very stretchy), but I think it might be the safest around pens.

Any feedback on these, or recommendations for another fabric, would be appreciated.

Thanks!

not an expert in this subject.. I recall reading that polar fleece can cause minute scratching.. however, there is a fleece intended for baby clothing & accessories that is much softer, & so likely a better choice. I have used this material on another fine collectable.

 

With regard to wool felt.. depending on the fibers, wool can also be scratchy.. there are

specific yarns that are soft & feltable... but then you must consider whether these fibers will draw or wick away moisture.

Many of the materials used in fountain pens can be damaged in damp environment.

I can advise, strongly, that ziplock type containers serve a purpose, but Never should be used to store plastics which must off-gas.

you might consider a polypro or mylar liner that it open at the top??? suggest googling archival/museum supply sites to get ideas about safe materials.

 

I have a question re: pen holders... frequently see double pen holders.. are these divided? would think the movement of the 2 pens causes damage???

p2p

[PelikanPenman]

What about silk?

[PelikanPenman]

What about silk?

[Bibliophage]

You might look into close shorn sheepskin.

 

[skippymchaggis]

I thought there were certain leather tanning agents that were bad for pens?

 

I always remembered Chamois as being good for cars until they started to decay a bit. I also remember there being chemicals or tanning agents left in the chamois that made it hard to work with when I was detailing cars.

 

I was planning on making some pen roll cases with a heavy wool felt. I mentioned the idea to my mother-in-law, and she volunteered to find me something suitable. I'm not sure what she's getting, but she's been a quilter and practitioner of the sewing arts for many years, so I trust her.

[pen2paper]

What about silk?

hmm, not sure, but sounds possible.. can absorb & hold water, but not to degree of other materials..

need consevation specialists chiming in here..

raw, undyed silk liner? non-absorbing fleece padded... breathable exterior?

are we on to something???

p2p

 

[AndyHayes]

Gore-tex jacket with a fleece liner and a wooly bobble hat.

 

I'll get my coat

[jmkeuning]

I think you should use silver cloth. It is not really padding, but could be used as a liner.

 

I used to work for a furniture manufacturer and we lined all our custom drawers with it.

 

Here is one source (the first google hit).