Care guide

Basic rules for using and caring for Parker pens

Every Parker pen only gets better with time, acquiring a noble patina that appears only after years of careful use. But like a pearl taken from its shell, your Parker pen deserves a little attention to help it shine and last even longer. Use our tips for each writing instrument.

BALLPOINT PENS

• Want to use a dried-out ballpoint pen again? Just scribble on scrap paper to get it going and use it regularly!
• Tired of having to get the pen going every time before writing? Retract the tip into the barrel to keep the ink from drying.

ROLLERBALL PENS

• Always write on good paper. With low-quality paper, small fibres can collect on the writing tip and damage your pen.
• Always cap your pen to prevent the ink from drying out or leaking.

FOUNTAIN PENS

The key element of fountain pen care is cleaning (flushing) the nib. This procedure is recommended regularly to prevent ink from drying inside the nib. We recommend using a converter to flush the nib. Fill the converter with clean water and pass it through the nib several times until the water runs clear. Filtered or distilled water at room temperature is best. Do not use warm or hot water, solvents or alcohol-based liquids. After flushing, let the nib dry for 12–24 hours. To speed up drying you can blow through it and blot it with a paper towel.

How to use a fountain pen

• Put the cap on with the nib pointing up; the pressure will push the remaining ink back into the nib.
• While writing, post the cap on the barrel — this stops the pen rolling off the desk.
• For long-term storage we recommend rinsing the fountain pen and storing it without ink. Ink in contact with air starts processes that can damage the nib.
• To remove fingerprints from the barrel, wipe the pen with a soft dry cloth.

HOW TO FILL A FOUNTAIN PEN?

Using replaceable cartridges:

• Remove the cap and unscrew the barrel.
• Remove the empty cartridge.
• Insert the new cartridge wide end first and press it in firmly but carefully.
• Screw the barrel back on.

Using a converter:

• Remove the cap and unscrew the barrel.
• If the converter has a twist mechanism, turn the piston to move it down. If it is a push-piston converter, simply push the piston all the way down.
• Place the nib in the ink bottle so that it is fully submerged. Raise the piston to fill the cartridge with ink.
• Take the nib out of the bottle and release a few drops of ink by pressing the piston (or turning it, if it is a twist piston).
• Raise the piston all the way up again. This draws a little air into the reservoir to prevent leaks.
• Wipe the nib with a tissue.