I have been using various kinds of writing tools over the years. From gel pen to a brush pen, waterbrush pen and to a felt tip pen, there are also ways to take care of it whenever you are not using it.

How To Take Care of Your Pens

Have you ever wondered if you have been doing the right thing when it comes to your tools? Honestly, it took me a number of years before realizing that I may have been taking care of mine the wrong way! Well, not only the mistakes I committed taught but research as well. First thing’s first, get acquainted with your lovely swords.

I might refer to pens as swords in the next paragraphs so don’t get confused.

Various writing tools may be used differently, depending on how will you use it. You may use pencil cases, pen stands or even a box but the way you put it there determines if the pen will live longer than you think.

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Caring for ZIG

Honestly, ZIG writing tools like Fudebiyori are the ones easy to spot when you see their booth in bookstores, arts and crafts store and even in bazaars. I always see them piled up in acrylic pen stands. Oh and btw, I saw those [acrylic] stands in one of the branches of Japan Home Center.

Right now, I’m unsure if there are still stocks because some may have hoarded some.

From experience, I’ve had a pen that actually vomited because the way I stored it was wrong! So, I just wasted the life of a pen which still makes me sad when I think about it. So, here are some tips in storing ZIG writing tools.

So far, the home of my ZIG Brushables, Scroll and Brush, Embossing Pens and hopefully my Tombow ABT. Hoarder pouch by The Fozzy Book

• For ZIG Fudebiyori / Drawing Pen / Wink of Stella / Cocoiro Letter Pen, you could store them in an upright position. The side where the tip is located should be the one facing upward. You may put them in a pen capsule like what Filed is selling or the ones being sold at SM Stationery.
•  ZIG Brushables / Scroll and Brush / Embossing Pen, you may store it horizontally. Why? The pen has two tips and if you store them in an upright position, the ink may just flow to one side and the tip may get drowned and eventually, vomit. Plus, some may not notice but there’s something written on the body of this pen that actually tells you to store it horizontally.
• For ZIG H20 or the waterbrush pen: remove all the water inside the barrel after using. Disassemble it and let it dry. When it has dried completely, you may assemble it and store it in an upright position. Remember, don’t store it with water in it.

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Caring for Tombow ABT / Marvy Uchida Le Plume II

It took a while before Tombow was available here in the Philippines. There were online shops that would sell those; you’re lucky if you see one that sells for Php 150 (roughly $3) each. You may Tombow goodies from SM Stationery, Scribe Writing Essentials, and National Bookstore.

Just a note, if you are using Tombow with the wrong angle, it may cause deterioration for your pen. Sadly, your pen may just fray.

I also experienced mis-using a Tombow pen and ended up destroying it. So, experience has taught me things and here are some tips that could help you store your Tombow tools better.

• The Tombow ABT has a dual tip. One is the brush pen (or felt tip) and the other is the fine tip. The same goes with this just like storing ZIG Brushables. Store it horizontally.
• Storing these in an upright position could just let the other tip vomit ink. The aftermath would just cause blotting when you write.

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Caring for Artline Brush Markers / Faber-Castell Pitt Pen/s

These two are the friendliest when it comes to brush pens for me. Though improper care would lead to their destruction.

How I store my tools

• To prevent them from fraying quickly, try holding it at a more slanted angle or position. Also, having your hand away from the tip helps. [I’ve read it from a calligraphy community online.]
• Storing Artline Brush Markers in an upright position can do good to the pen. For the Pitt Pens, either upright or slanted upright position will do.
• Faber Castell Pitt Pen/s have reversible tips so when the other side frays, just get a pliers or tweezers to help you pull it out and turn the other side on. Sadly, it’s not the same for the Artline Brush Markers.

Caring for your Nibs

This is really simple. Just remember to have a brush (preferably a small paint brush), pen cleaner and a storage box, and a tool that would help you pull and hold the nib to and fro the holder.

Before using it

• Remember not to touch the nibs with your fingers as it may bring some oil or other residues to the nib. This may prevent the ink to stay with the nib when you are going to use it.
• When you have a newly bought nib, you could soak it in water for 2 mins or put saliva on it to remove the protective layer.

When using it

• Use a brush to put ink on the nib. Avoid directly dipping the nib into the ink. It may cause blotting when you are going to write on the paper.

After using it

• Prepare the pen cleaner and brush as you will be needing it to clean.
• Carefully brush the nib (that was dipped in pen cleaner). Have a tissue that will catch the ink residue.
• Store them in a dry, clean area. Also, get to use them from time to time to avoid rusting.

Where to buy

• The hoarder pouch by The Fozzy Book may be bought in Common Room PH.
• Pen Capsules by FILED may be bought at Fully Booked branches and their website.

I guess that’s it for now. I may write another one about caring of other calligraphy stuff. Hope this enlightens you!