How to Use a Fountain Pen: A Beginner’s Guide

Fountain pens look intimidating but are genuinely easy to use once someone shows you the basics. Writing with one takes almost no pressure, which is why so many journalers fall in love with them. Here’s everything a beginner needs to start.

What is a fountain pen?

A fountain pen is a pen that writes using liquid ink fed through a metal nib by gravity and capillary action. Instead of a disposable cartridge of thick paste like a ballpoint, it uses free-flowing ink from a replaceable cartridge or a refillable reservoir. The nib’s split tip releases ink onto the paper as you write, which is why it needs so little pressure.

How to fill a fountain pen

There are two common systems:

• Cartridges: the easiest. Push a sealed ink cartridge onto the section until it clicks and pierces. Wait a minute for ink to reach the nib.
• Converter or piston filler: lets you use bottled ink. Dip the nib fully into the ink, then twist the knob (or operate the converter) to draw ink up into the reservoir. Wipe the nib clean afterward.

How to hold and write

1. Hold it at roughly a 45-degree angle to the paper, with the nib’s engraved side facing up.
2. Use almost no pressure. Let the pen’s weight do the work — pressing hard will damage the nib and cause skipping.
3. Find the “sweet spot” by rotating the pen slightly until the ink flows smoothly and quietly. Every nib has an angle where it writes best.
4. Keep the cap on when not writing so the nib doesn’t dry out.

Choose the right paper

This is the one thing beginners get wrong. Fountain-pen ink is wet and will bleed and feather on cheap paper. Use fountain-pen-friendly paper (Rhodia, Leuchtturm1917, Tomoe River, or anything 100 gsm and up) and your writing will look crisp. More on this in our guide to paper and notebooks that don’t bleed.

Troubleshooting

• Skipping or hard starts: the nib may be dry — give it a moment, or the pen may need cleaning.
• Scratchy feel: check your angle and rotation, and lighten your grip.
• Ink won’t flow: the cartridge may not be seated, or the pen needs a flush.

Keeping your pen happy is mostly about cleaning — see how to clean and store a fountain pen. Ready to buy your first one? The LAMY Safari is the top beginner pick in our best fountain pens for journaling guide.