How to fill a fountain pen

At the Pen Store, the fountain pen is highly rated! Do not let the dread of ink trouble stop you. If you want to make it easy for yourself, just choose replaceable ink cartridges – they are super easy to handle. Should you prefer to choose freely from a variety of high-quality reservoir inks, then you should use a bottle instead. If the pen you choose has a converter, then you will have both options in the same pen. Here we will tell you how to fill a fountain pen with ink!

How do I fill a Fountain Pen with an ink cartridge?

Most Fountain Pens use ink cartridges that are replaced when empty. Changing a cartridge is simple, but it can feel a little unfamiliar the first time. Here we guide you step by step.

How to do it:

1. Unscrew the barrel from the nib section.
   
   
2. Pull the old cartridge straight out. Keep some paper handy in case there is any ink left.
   
   
3. Take a new cartridge and insert the sealed end into the nib section of the pen.
   
   
4. Press firmly until you hear or feel a small "click". This means the cartridge has been punctured.
   
   
5. Screw the pen back together.
   
   
6. It may take a short while for the ink to flow all the way to the nib, so leave the pen aside for a few minutes. Then you are ready to write again!

Which cartridge fits my Fountain Pen?

There are two ways to choose a cartridge for your Fountain Pen.

1. Choose a cartridge by manufacturer

Many manufacturers have their own proprietary ink cartridges in specific sizes. In these cases, only the brand’s original cartridges will fit.

Examples of manufacturers with their own cartridges: Parker, Lamy, Waterman, and Platinum.

2. Choose an international standard cartridge

There is a cartridge size known as International Standard, and it is very common. If your pen is not marked with a specific brand, these cartridges will often fit.

They are available in two lengths:
Short: the most common option, and compatible with almost all pens.
Long: uses the same fitting but is longer, which means it does not fit all pens.

Some pens even have space inside the barrel to store an extra short cartridge. That way, you always have a spare with you in case the ink runs out while writing.

Examples of manufacturers that use standard cartridges: Caran d’Ache, Pelikan and Kaweco. 

How do I fill a Fountain Pen with a converter?

A converter works like a small reusable ink cartridge that you fill from a bottle. It makes a Fountain Pen that normally uses cartridges much more flexible, as you can freely choose from bottled inks instead of being limited to the cartridges that fit your model. This gives you more colours, greater variety and less single-use plastic.

How to do it:

1. Screw or push the converter into place where a cartridge would normally sit, and make sure it is securely fitted.
   
   
2. Twist the converter knob all the way down. This expels the air and prepares it for filling.
   
   
3. Dip the nib into the ink bottle. The entire metal nib must be below the surface.
   
   
4. Slowly twist the knob upwards so the ink is drawn in through the nib and into the converter. Tip: Release a few drops back into the bottle and fill again if you want to reduce the risk of air bubbles.
   
   
5. Lift the pen, wipe the nib with some paper and reassemble the pen. You are ready to write!

Which converter fits my Fountain Pen?

Unlike ink cartridges, there is no international standard for converters. That is why it is important to use a converter designed specifically for your pen. The manufacturer will often sell their own converter made to fit their models, and that is the safest option. Once you have the correct converter, your pen opens up to entirely new possibilities, you can fill from bottled ink, choose from a wider range of colours and enjoy the traditional process of filling from an ink bottle!

How do I fill a Fountain Pen with ink from a bottle?

Some Fountain Pens, such as Lamy 2000 and several TWSBI models, feature a built-in piston filling mechanism with an internal reservoir and are filled directly from an ink bottle. No cartridge or converter is required. The principle is the same as with a converter: dip the nib into the bottle, twist the piston so the ink is drawn in, wipe the nib and you are ready to write.

The advantage of bottled ink is the freedom to choose from a wide range of colours, better value and fewer parts to replace. Piston fillers also typically hold more ink than a converter, so you need to refill less often. And yes, the filling process itself often becomes a pleasant ritual and an experience in its own right, and ink bottles are often beautiful desk accessories that elevate your workspace. We have many unique bottles to add to your collection!

All bottled ink →

How do I change the ink colour in a Fountain Pen?

Want to change colour? Go for it. Just remember that there is always a little ink left inside the pen, for example in the fins and feed, which means the new colour may mix with the old one. If you are switching from dark to light, it will be especially noticeable. Give the pen a quick rinse with lukewarm water before filling it with fresh ink, and allow the parts to dry for a while, otherwise the first thing you write may look slightly diluted. If you would like step by step instructions, you will find everything in our guide to cleaning Fountain Pens.

If you change colours often, a handy tip is to keep different pens for different inks. It saves both time and patience. When you are not using the pen, store it with the nib facing upwards and try to write with it now and then. This keeps the ink flowing and the pen in good condition.