Proper storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of fountain pen ownership. Whether you're putting a pen away for a few weeks or storing a collection long-term, how you store your pens can make the difference between a pen that writes perfectly when you pick it up again and one that needs hours of soaking to revive. Here's everything you need to know.
Short-Term Storage (Days to a Few Weeks)
If you're putting a pen down for a short period, you don't need to do anything special — just cap it securely. A well-sealed cap will keep the nib from drying out for days or even weeks, depending on the pen and ink.
- Always cap your pen when not in use, even briefly.
- Store nib up or horizontally — both are fine for short periods. Nib down can cause ink to pool at the tip and potentially dry or leak.
- Avoid direct sunlight — UV light can fade ink and damage some pen materials over time.
- Keep away from heat sources — warmth can cause ink to expand and leak.
Long-Term Storage (Weeks to Months)
If you're storing a pen for more than a few weeks, the most important step is to clean it thoroughly first. Leaving ink in a pen during long-term storage is the most common cause of permanent damage — ink can dry, crystallise, and clog the feed irreversibly, and some inks (particularly iron gall) can corrode metal components.
- Clean the pen completely — flush with clean water until it runs clear. See our fountain pen cleaning guide for step-by-step instructions.
- Dry thoroughly — leave the nib section on a lint-free cloth, nib down, for several hours or overnight. Ensure no moisture remains before storing.
- Store horizontally or nib up — with no ink in the pen, either orientation is fine.
- Keep in a case or pouch — protect the pen from dust, knocks, and scratches. A leather pen case is ideal for long-term storage.
Storing a Pen Collection
If you have multiple pens, a dedicated storage solution keeps them organised, protected, and easy to access. Options include:
- Pen rolls — compact and portable, ideal for travel or storing a small collection.
- Pen cases — rigid cases offer better protection for valuable pens. Our Aston leather cases hold 1, 2, 3, or 4 pens and offer excellent protection.
- Pen trays or stands — great for pens in regular rotation on your desk.
- Display cases — for collector pieces you want to show off safely.
Special Considerations by Ink Type
- Iron gall inks — always clean out before storage. Iron gall is corrosive and will damage nibs and feeds if left to dry.
- Shimmer inks — metallic particles can settle and dry in the feed. Flush thoroughly before storing.
- Pigmented inks — clean promptly; pigmented inks can dry permanently and are very difficult to remove once set.
- Standard dye-based inks — the most forgiving, but still clean before long-term storage.
Travelling with Pens
If you're travelling with a filled pen, keep it nib up during flights to reduce the risk of leaking due to pressure changes. For longer trips, consider emptying and cleaning the pen before travel. See our full guide on travelling with fountain pens for more advice.
Shop Pen Storage at Pure Pens
We stock a range of pen cases and storage solutions to keep your collection safe and organised. If you need advice on the best storage for your pens, get in touch — we're always happy to help.