Common Fountain Pen Mistakes Beginners Make

There is something rather special about writing with a fountain pen.

The smooth movement across the page, the way the ink flows from the nib and the feeling that you are using something made to be enjoyed rather than simply thrown away.

But if you are new to fountain pens, there can be a small learning curve.

Don't worry — most fountain pen mistakes are easily fixed. And, as someone who makes and uses pens, I can tell you that even experienced fountain pen users occasionally get things wrong!

Here are some of the most common mistakes beginners make — and how to avoid them.

1. Pressing too hard

This is probably the biggest mistake new fountain pen users make.

With a ballpoint pen, you normally have to apply a little pressure to get the ink onto the paper. It is natural to assume a fountain pen works the same way.

It doesn't.

A fountain pen is designed to write using very little pressure. The ink flows from the nib onto the paper under its own control.

Try resting the nib gently on the page and allowing the pen to glide rather than pushing it into the paper.

If you find yourself pressing hard, stop and relax your hand. You may be surprised at how little pressure you actually need.

2. Holding the pen at the wrong angle

Fountain pen nibs are designed to sit on the paper in a particular position.

If you rotate the pen too far, hold it almost sideways or turn the nib away from the page, the ink flow can become inconsistent.

A good starting point is to hold the pen at roughly a 45-degree angle to the paper, with the nib resting naturally on the page.

Don't overthink it, though. Once you find the position that feels comfortable, writing should become almost effortless.

3. Using cheap or unsuitable paper

This one catches many beginners out.

You buy a lovely fountain pen, fill it with beautiful ink and then wonder why your writing looks fuzzy and the ink seems to spread across the page.

The culprit may not be the pen at all.

Some inexpensive papers are highly absorbent and allow fountain pen ink to spread into the fibres. This is known as feathering.

Good-quality writing paper, fountain pen-friendly notebooks and smoother papers can make an enormous difference.

You don't necessarily need expensive paper. Just experiment and find what works well with your pen and ink.

4. Choosing the wrong ink

Not all inks are suitable for every fountain pen.

Most ordinary fountain pen inks are perfectly safe, but there are specialist inks with properties that can make them unsuitable for some pens.

For everyday writing, choose a reputable fountain pen ink designed specifically for fountain pens.

And one important rule:

Never use ordinary drawing ink, India ink or other non-fountain-pen inks in your fountain pen unless the manufacturer specifically says they are suitable.

Some of these inks contain particles or binders that can clog the feed.

A fountain pen deserves fountain pen ink.

5. Leaving the pen uncapped

We've all done it.

You put your fountain pen down while answering the phone, get distracted and come back ten minutes later.

Unfortunately, fountain pen ink can begin to dry in the nib and feed.

Leaving the pen uncapped for long periods can eventually result in poor ink flow or a hard start when you begin writing again.

If you are going to stop writing for more than a short while, put the cap back on.

Your pen will thank you for it.

6. Expecting every nib to feel the same

One of the joys of fountain pens is that every nib has its own character.

A fine nib may give you a precise, delicate line. A medium nib may provide a little more ink and a smoother feel. A broader nib can produce a wonderfully expressive line.

Even two nibs of the same size can feel slightly different.

Don't assume that a nib you dislike means fountain pens aren't for you.

You may simply have the wrong nib size or writing style for your particular preference.

7. Not cleaning the pen

Fountain pens need a little care.

If you regularly use the same ink, giving your pen an occasional clean helps keep the feed and nib working properly.

Cleaning is particularly important if you change ink colours frequently or are putting the pen away for an extended period.

Fortunately, it isn't complicated.

Usually, flushing the pen with clean water until the water runs clear is enough for normal maintenance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular pen.

A few minutes of care can keep a good fountain pen writing beautifully for years.

8. Changing inks without cleaning the pen

This is another common beginner mistake.

You finish using a blue ink and immediately fill the pen with red.

The result?

Possibly a rather interesting shade of purple!

More importantly, mixing different inks can sometimes produce unexpected results.

If you like experimenting with different colours, clean and flush your pen before changing inks.

It only takes a few minutes and means you get to see the colour you actually intended.

9. Thinking a fountain pen should write immediately

Sometimes a new fountain pen needs a little time for the ink to reach the nib and feed.

If you have just filled your pen and it doesn't immediately produce a perfect line, don't start pressing harder.

Give the ink a moment to work its way through the feed.

If there is still a problem, check that the pen has been filled correctly and that the nib and feed are clean.

Most importantly, don't attack the nib with a pair of pliers!

10. Treating a fountain pen like a ballpoint

Perhaps the biggest lesson of all is this:

A fountain pen is supposed to be different.

You don't need to press hard.

You don't need to scribble aggressively to get the ink flowing.

You don't need to force the nib across the page.

Let the pen do the work.

Once you get used to that, writing with a fountain pen becomes a much more relaxed experience.

Don't be afraid of making mistakes

The good news is that fountain pens are not nearly as complicated as they might initially appear.

There are a few things to learn, but most problems beginners encounter are easily solved.

And that's part of the enjoyment.

Try different nibs. Experiment with different inks. Find paper that you love writing on. Discover how your pen feels in your hand.

Eventually, you stop thinking about the technique altogether.

You simply pick up the pen and write.

And that, really, is when the magic starts.

Looking for a fountain pen?

If you're new to fountain pens, choosing the right one doesn't have to be complicated.

At The Pen Guy, I make individual handmade pens designed to be used, enjoyed and kept.

Every pen is made with care, and because they are individually crafted, each one has its own character.

Whether you're buying your first fountain pen or looking for something a little more special, take a look at the handmade fountain pens available at The Pen Guy.

Your first fountain pen doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be one you enjoy picking up and writing with.