A hard-starting fountain pen is one that writes well once it gets going, but requires several strokes on paper before the ink flows properly. It is one of the most common fountain pen problems, and in most cases it is easy to fix.
What Causes Hard Starting?
Hard starting happens when ink in the nib and feed dries out between writing sessions. As the ink evaporates, it thickens and partially blocks the channel that delivers ink to the paper. The pen needs a few strokes to break through this dried ink before it writes freely.
Several factors make hard starting more likely:
- Dry or fast-drying inks. Some inks, particularly iron gall and pigmented inks, dry more quickly than standard dye-based inks.
- Fine nibs. Fine and extra-fine nibs have a smaller ink channel, which dries out more quickly.
- Low humidity environments. Heated offices and dry climates accelerate ink evaporation.
- Infrequent use. A pen left unused for days or weeks is more likely to hard-start than one used daily.
How to Fix It
Short-Term Fixes
- Breathe on the nib. The moisture in your breath can soften dried ink enough to get the pen writing. Hold the nib close to your mouth and exhale gently, then try writing immediately.
- Touch the nib to your tongue. A small amount of moisture on the nib tip is often enough to dissolve the dried ink and restore flow.
- Dip the nib in water. A brief dip in a small cup of water, followed by blotting on a tissue, can clear a partially blocked feed.
If the Problem Persists
- Flush the pen. Fill and empty the pen with clean water several times until the water runs clear. Refill with fresh ink. Old or dried ink in the feed is a common cause of persistent hard starting.
- Soak the nib section. Remove the nib section and soak it in a small cup of room-temperature water for a few hours. This dissolves any dried ink in the feed channels.
- Switch inks. If the problem is ink-specific, try a wetter, more free-flowing ink. Diamine inks are known for their reliable flow and are a good choice for pens prone to hard starting.
Preventing Hard Starting
- Use your pen regularly. Daily use keeps the ink flowing and prevents drying.
- Store the pen nib-up when not in use. This keeps ink away from the nib tip and reduces evaporation.
- Cap the pen firmly after every use.
- If you are not going to use a pen for more than a week, consider flushing and storing it dry.
When to Seek Help
If your pen hard-starts consistently despite flushing and trying different inks, the nib may need adjustment. A nib that is too tight (where the tines are pressed together) restricts ink flow and causes hard starting. This is a straightforward adjustment for an experienced nibmeister. Contact us if you would like advice.