So….you’ve got your pen holder, a few nibs, a bottle of ink and some paper…now what?
What you will need:
- nib with a reservoir
- bottle of ink
- a piece of scrap paper
- dropper or small, round sable brush
- mild soap (dish washing detergent) and water
- ammonia (window cleaner) or commercial pen cleaner
- soft cloth rag or paper towels
- an old, soft toothbrush
Nib Anatomy and Preparation
First, let’s take a look at the parts of the nib:
Check the tines of your nib – sometimes old, used nibs will have the tines splayed out from the split (usually by heavy hand pressure) which will cause problems with ink flow and lettering. If you can see light behind the split, it is probably time to “retire” the nib and replace it rather than trying to fix it.
Preparing New Nibs
If your nibs are new, they will need to have the factory-applied lacquer removed (this is used to prevent rust.) I normally clean them with a bit of warm water, dish washing liquid and scrub them with an old, soft toothbrush.
Other sources have suggested dipping the nib in gum arabic or hot water – whatever method you use, just make sure that you wipe off any excess water and dry the nib thoroughly or it will rust!
Nib Reservoir
Next, take a look at the reservoir for your pen nib. The reservoir is what holds the ink and feeds it to your nib. Depending on what type of nib you prefer, the reservoir will either be on top of the nib or underneath the nib.
The most common dip pen nibs will have the reservoir attached by a couple of metal tabs. The reservoir should be attached firmly. If it is too loose (e.g. slides easily off the nib), simply press the tabs in a bit so that the reservoir holds tight but can still be moved a little up and down the nib.
Speedball nibs have the reservoir attached so you don’t need to do anything – just check to make sure the lower section of the reservoir is centered and lies flat against the nib.
Mitchell nibs use a slip-on reservoir underneath the nib, while the Brause, TO and Tape nibs have the reservoir on the top. As with the Speedball nib, reservoirs on the top of the nib should be centered and have the tip touching the nib.
The Mitchell reservoir has a bend in the center and can easily be gently adjusted to ensure the tip of the reservoir touches the back of the nib.
The position of the reservoir is important as to how the ink will flow – too high up and the ink won’t reach the end of the nib; too far down and the ink will just blot.
Generally, adjusting the reservoir so that it is about 1/16″ from the end of the nib should work fine as a starting point. A little adjustment might be necessary for long nibs.
Loading the Nib
Before you can start creating beautiful lettering, you have to get some ink into the pen nib.
You weren’t just going to dunk the pen into the ink, were you?
I must confess that when I first started calligraphy (and didn’t know any better) I would just dunk the pen nib in the ink and make quite a mess. This was back in the days when calligraphy wasn’t very popular and there were no courses or workshops available.
Many years later, I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop with an expert calligrapher who demonstrated the proper way to load a pen using a dropper or a brush.
Dunking can be done, however the downside to dunking is that the pen holder will pick up ink from around the inside edge of the ink bottle and this will inevitably find its way to your fingers. Dunking also feeds an excessive amount of ink to the reservoir and nib, causing the dreaded blots.
Loading the pen using a dropper or a small, round sable brush is not only cleaner, but gives you greater control as to the amount of ink held by the reservoir. Some inks, such as Higgins, have an dropper built in to the lid.
Once you have loaded the reservoir, test the pen by drawing a few strokes on a scrap piece of paper. If the strokes have clean, sharp edges and the ink is feeding evenly, you are ready.
If the ink is blotting or the pen strokes look dry, try adjusting the position of the reservoir, and make sure that the tip is touching the pen nib.
Cleaning Pen Nibs
It is good practice to get into the habit of cleaning your pen nibs, reservoirs and holders after every lettering session. Dried ink, especially waterproof ink, can be difficult to remove and little dried bits of ink stuck between the tines or in the reservoir can inhibit ink flow.
Cleaning solutions will depend on what type of ink was used – most non-waterproof calligraphy inks will clean up well with mild soap and water. Some inks, especially waterproof inks, will require a cleaning fluid such as ammonia (window cleaner works well) or a commercial pen cleaning solution.
If possible, disassemble the pen (remove the reservoir from the nib) and clean each piece separately using your cleaning solution and an old, soft toothbrush. A toothbrush is also very handy for cleaning pen nibs that have a built-in reservoir or a reservoir difficult to remove.
Pen holders can be cleaned with mild soap and water or use the pen cleaning solution to remove stubborn, dried ink. Be cautious about using pen cleaning solutions on holders that are made of wood and have cork finger grips – some of the solutions might damage these materials – always read the labels!
Make sure that the pen nibs, reservoirs and pen holders are dry. Pen nibs, reservoirs and pen holders with metal grips will rust. I wipe them down with a soft cotton rag or an absorbant paper towel to make sure all the moisture is removed before putting them back in the box.
Dip Pen Problems
If you’re having problems with a dip pen refer to the Troubleshooting a Calligraphy Dip Pen post.
I am trying to teach myself calligraphy, and have recently ordered a nib holder, 3 nibs, a reservoir, and some ink. To me, it seems that I’m loading the ink exactly as you describe here. With one glaring exception….I can’t get any ink to flow!! Do you have any suggestions?
I’ve tried moving the reservoir closer to the tip of the nib, then farther away. I’ve tried loading with more ink, then less. I’ve cleaned the nibs with soap and hot water, and even burned one for a few seconds at the suggestion of one calligrapher. The only problems I can think of are 1. I’m a bonafide dumbo or 2. Maybe my reservoir is faulty. All help disproving 1. or offering other options will be greatly appreciated!
It’s a little difficult to troubleshoot without knowing what brand of nib and reservoir you are using, but sometimes the nib itself can be faulty. Try removing the reservoir, then dipping the nib in the ink and drawing a few strokes on scrap paper. If there is still no ink flow, the nib might be the problem. If you are getting some decent strokes, then take a look at the reservoir. Only the tip of the reservoir should be touching the nib; if it is flattened against the nib that will inhibit ink flow (for reservoirs that fit under the nib.)
Ink might also be a problem – some inks dry very quickly and will clog up the tines and the reservoir. Start with a non-waterproof ink or an ink specifically labeled for calligraphy.
If the reservoir and nib look okay and the ink is fine, then perhaps you are not using quite enough hand pressure. Dip pens will need a little bit of pressure to get the ink flowing, but not so much that the tines start to spread. Dip pens can be a little challenging if you’ve never used them before, so you might want to try a calligraphy felt pen or a calligraphy fountain pen just to get started until you get used to the pen strokes before moving up to a dip pen.
If you get the opportunity to take a class, workshop or join a calligraphy group this will help tremendously as there is really no substitute for having an experienced calligrapher demonstrate the techniques and give you feedback!
I have a calligraphy pen that I got a couple years ago. It came with a drawing nib in it, so my sister changed it to a calligraphy nib, but now I can’t seem to get the nib out. Is there a specific way to do that?
never mind. It was just really rusted at the base.
Hi, I found this post through a search engine. I have been doing some illustrating and am drawing with waterproof india ink with a nib so I can do a layer of watercolors over it. But I have no idea how to clean waterproof ink out of a nib. I read something that said to try paint thinner but that definitely isn’t helping. It’s just caking up on me now. If you have any advice for me could you email me at ? Thanks so much!
Sarah
India ink contains shellac that will very quickly dry and clog up a pen nib. If it’s a fountain pen nib, there might not be much you can do and might require nib replacement or professional repair.
If it’s a dip pen nib, you might try an ammonia-based household cleaner and scrubbing with an old toothbrush, or a commercial pen cleaning solution (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). I’ve found that an ultrasonic cleaner with pen cleaning solution – although expensive – is sometimes the only method of removing shellac/acrylic-based dried ink, and even that is no guarantee the nib hasn’t been ruined.
Once the ink has dried the shellac is extremely difficulty to remove and it might be easier (and more cost-efficient) to just replace the nib.
To avoid the problem keep cleaning the nib as you are working (wiping the ink off before it dries) and make sure the nib is thoroughly washed and dried before storing.
We use these in nail art, and use acetone. Just be mindful to clean the residue off and wash with warm soap and water immediately afterwards.
I have been told that I can write on a hard polyurethane surface with a nib and white artist ink. I have ordered the ink (which comes in a bottle with a dropper)…..I’m wondering what type of Nib I should use. I want fine writing for it is a surface the size of a small fist. Could you suggest one for me? I am not familiar with calligraphy much at all….just want to write on this surface and can’t seem to find a white permeable ink marker with small enough point to do it. This is what I am told others are using. Thanks !……..Annette
What type of nib you use will depend on 1) what style of writing you want to do and 2) what type of ink you use. I’m not familiar with that surface but I’m assuming a pigment-based, acrylic ink or paint might work the best – you might have to try a few types of ink or perhaps even paint to find something that will adhere to the surface.
If you just want to write in a script or handwriting style, a pointed nib will be fine. For broad-lettered styles, a calligraphy nib is a better choice. Very small calligraphy nibs are available but can be a little difficult to use if you’re not familiar with calligraphy techniques. Whatever nib you select, make sure to clean it once in while when lettering as some inks/paints can dry very quickly and clog up the nib.
Of course, if you know someone who uses this surface they might have some recommendations!
I love my dip pen! When I first got it a few months ago, I was so disappointed because no matter what I did, big blobs of ink would spew all over the paper or the ink wouldn’t flow at all. I stopped using it. But then I decided to try again. Turns out I was holding the pen wrong and just dunking it in the ink didn’t help either!
So all of you having difficulties, learning to use a dip pen is so rewarding, especially after having a hard time. Don’t give up!
With regards to India ink: shellac dissolves naturally in alcohol, so dried India ink can be removed by soaking in methylated spirits (ethanol/methanol.) No scrubbing should be required.
– Lewis.
I’ll just take this time say that that comment is heaven sent. I used to clean my nibs with bristle brush after using it but there are still some specks and there are hard to reach areas. After reading your comment, I used alcohol to clean my nibs and it worked like magic
Thanks for your answers and the questions too.
I learn so much from all of you.
One of my biggest problems is the organization of my
workspace. Have you any suggestions there? I have a gazillion brushes, nibs, watercolors, etc to keep handy yet out of way of my elbows!! Any help? Or am I just a clutz?
I keep having ink bottle accidents and nib dryouts as I’m working. Or the phone invariably rings and when I hurry back, the nib is dry again. Grrrr.
Do you have any suggestions as to methods of keeping nibs moist while you are working with other supplies and tools? I frequently am using watercolors in my designs along with pen and ink. What about a jar of water nearby to plunk your pen into and hold temporarily? Would that work with India Ink as well?
You might want to look at this post – Calligraphy Studio on a Budget – for a few ideas.
I’m guessing you probably don’t need “a gazillion” tools handy for each project you’re working on 🙂 – organize, store your supplies and just bring out what you need for each project. I have tons of supplies as well, but even on the biggest, most complex project I usually don’t have more on my work table than 2 or 3 brushes, a couple of pens and a bottle or two of ink.
Also think about the order in working on a project – calligraphy, gilding (if using) then painting. You only need the supplies out for each part of the project if you have limited space instead of gathering up all the media at once.
Personally, I never leave pen nibs (or brushes – especially brushes!) in water – if I have to leave the work I’ll give them a quick wash and a wipe as rusting would become an issue. Water wouldn’t be much help with India Ink as it would require a solvent to clean.
I’ve been doing calligraphy for about ten years and have recently started using cartography nibs for fine lettering and illustration. These nibs are very sharp and thin. Do you have a suggestion for keeping the tips from digging into the paper and pulling individual fibers out? Even the slightest of pressure has pulled fibers out and across the ink, ruining the letters. I’ve tried all kinds of paper but that doesn’t seem to matter.
This post might help get you started – Papers for Calligraphy.
A paper with a hard surface – such as “hot pressed” and that contains sizing might help. You might try adjusting the amount of pressure you are putting on the nib, especially if the paper is soft.
An art supply store (rather than a craft store or department store) would have more suitable papers to chose from with a greater variety. You might be able to purchase “sample” packs to try and decide what would best for your projects.
Thanks for the post! So concise and helpful. Found everything I needed.
I am currently using a cartridge pen for calligraphy and have mastered it well. However, I would like to learn how to use the dip pen so that I can start to write in the beautiful flourished copperplate that i have seen. I have seen several kits in the stores but have no idea what type of nib i need. They are all different. Any ideas?
The best site for all you need to know is IAMPETH – should help get you started!
Hello
i love seeing calligraphy writing so i wanted to learn it i am practicing right now
i need to buy the dip pens i live in india
where can i buy them and what are the brands in them
please suggest me if you know
Thank you for quality content in your article Care and Feeding of the Calligraphy Dip Pen The Calligraphy Pen..
Ok bye
how do i store the pen…. i don’t want to mess up the nib by putting it in a cup, but i don’t want to lay it down and mess up the feather either…
I use a brush and pen rest pictured in the Calligraphy Studio on a Budget post.
If you can’t make your own pen and brush rests can be purchased at most art supply stores.
I started a five week course on calligraphy, I have been using a fountain and improved , but then moved onto dip pen round head, I’m left handed by the way so is the pen, I seem to find it hard using it also I write on a raised board, does writng raised stop the flow of ink, and when writing are you suppose to press down lightly not so that the nib spreads apart
Pressing too hard might spread the nib. It’s simply a matter of practice to find the “ideal” combination of pressure/ink flow with a dip pen.
The round head pens are for a different style of lettering and I haven’t used them much. I would assume that the flat surface of the nib would need to be in contact with the paper to distribute ink evenly with just enough pressure to ensure a consistent ink flow.
If you are holding the pen to compensate for the raised board and the nib isn’t flat on the paper, then there might be some problems with consistent ink flow.
Do you have any recommendations, once we get going, for tiny nibs that are flat, but smaller than a MItchell 6?
Hi, my Uncle gave me a Speedball Ken Brown Calligraphy starter set Product Number 3078. It was bought in 1979, and sadly he had not cleaned before putting it away for twenty years. I bought new ink, as the ink included was as hard as glass, and cleaning solution. Will this work to restore the nibs?
Speedball nibs are easy to find and relatively inexpensive – it might be most efficient to just replace the nib. You could try cleaning it but depending on what shape the nib is in – if it’s rusty, bent, etc. then replacing would be a more cost-effective solution if you plan to use it for calligraphy.
Try immersing the nibs in warm (slightly cool to the touch) water for a few minutes. Worked for a pen I had that had been stored for about 10 years.
This is great. Thank you. I have been searching all day before venturing out onto trying my newly purchased set (newbie alert) and this helped me a lot.
I have been doing calligraphy for 35 years. Another professional made a recommendation that i want to share. Using a shot glass to dip your pen allows you to dip without the mess. You just use the edge of the glass to allow some excess to drain so the pen is not too full. The weight at the bottom of the glass helps prevent tip overs. I use Saran wrap over the glass if I have a project that takes several days. Best tip I ever got!
This is late in coming, but to anyone reading, here’s a tip for cleaning nibs clogged with shellac inks. As a jeweller, I’ve been using acetone to dissolve shellac regularly. I applied this to nibs and it works charmingly. Just don’t get any on your hands, its a mite uncomfortable. Just drop the nib in a little jar of acetone for fifteen-ish minutes and fish it out with tweezers or the like. Make sure it’s a closed jar, acetone evaporates at least as fast as wood alcohol. For anyone not aware, acetone can be had cheaply at any hardware store.
[…] If you’re interested in how a dip pen is used, here’s a wonderfully detailed post on it: Care and Feeding Of The Calligraphy Dip Pen […]
I have some simple calligraphy nibs and all of them have a bottom reservoir and also a little dip at the top with a hole that feeds to the bottom of the nib via the bottom reservoir, is this a secondary reservoir? If so how do I use it.
I also have just started using a dropper to fill my pen and when I first tried to use the dropper, a long rubbery ink stick came out, I am using acrylic artist’s ink and I am wondering if anybody else has seen this, is it a problem.
Thanks
I am glad I found this blog- I have a dip pen and a quill pen (with a metal nib). I started practising with the quill tonight- it takes some getting used to as I expected. And yeah I just dipped and started to try to write- most of it got on my fingers, so I dipped less ink, and started writing; interesting how different one’s handwriting is with these pens! I still get ink on my fingers though. I really admire historical manuscripts- their handwriting was often very small and neat. I watch many period dramas and they always dip and write; not sure how historically accurate that is or not. One thing is for sure though- they were used to writing with them, unlike us- that is all they had except pencils.
hello! what should i do if the nibs are not flexible? should i do the hot water trick? please help! P.S im a beginner.
It might be best to try a few flexible nibs until you find one that fits your writing style. Everyone has a different interpretation of what a “flexible” nib is for them.
ok i could do that but also i need to know….. is there any way to soften or make th nibs flexible?
help please, i recently bought a manuscript (leonardt) brand pen and nib set from michaels and for one thing, the pen itself, one with metal tabs, will not allow me to put the nibs in as recommended in your reservoirs post, i can place the biggest of the nibs in the middle but it completely rejects all the nibs from being placed around the edge. Also, it dosen’t have any resovoirs at all
Thank you for the helpful info. I’ve been illustrating with pointed nibs but now I’d like to learn calligraphy. Never knew about loading the reservoir.
[…] Care and Feeding of the Calligraphy Dip Pen on CalligraphyPen […]
I just got my first Dip pen and I do not have a resivoire. Should I use the dunking method, or are there any other tips?
[…] Care and Feeding of the Calligraphy Dip Pen. Even though the author talks mainly about calligraphy (italic) pen nibs, the same principles apply to point dip pen nibs. I found a suggestion to clean ink pen nibs with ammonia based glass cleaners in this article. This is for pen nibs that have caked on ink. Ammonia window (glass) cleaners work wonders! Brought my nibs back to clean as new! […]
Beginner here, trying to clean some old nibs. How does one remove the different types of reservoirs for a thorough cleaning without damaging them or the nibs? Any advice appreciated.
[…] If you’re interested in how a dip pen is used, here’s a wonderfully detailed post on it: Care and Feeding Of The Calligraphy Dip Pen […]
Thank you so much for writing this article!
I’m practicing tattooing with a calligraphy pen hooked up to my tattoo machine and I keep having issues with ink.. Not anymore though!
Thanks again! ❤
[…] Care and Feeding of the Calligraphy Dip Pen. Even though the author talks mainly about calligraphy (italic) pen nibs, the same principles apply to point dip pen nibs. I found a suggestion to clean ink pen nibs with ammonia based glass cleaners in this article. This is for pen nibs that have caked on ink. Ammonia window (glass) cleaners work wonders! Brought my nibs back to clean as new! […]
This worked best for me when my safari Lemy dried out, Take the nib out, put it in small glass and soak it in alcohol for 15mins. Wash and dry it. Put things back. Works like before.
I learned something about filling the dip pen and I sketched for 50 years and was not aware of the way of filling a dip pen.
Thank you, good info.
Can we use acrylic paint as ink for pointed oen
Acrylic paint dries very quickly so it’s not the best choice. You could try adding an acrylic extender to slow down the drying time. If you need to letter with acrylic paint for a particular reason, a flat brush would be better than a pen.
[…] https://calligraphypen.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/care-and-feeding-of-the-calligraphy-dip-pen/ […]