How to Change the Ink Color in a Parker Fountain Pen

Using Cartridge Inks

• 1

  Unscrew the pen barrel and remove the old cartridge. If the cartridge is not empty, carefully cover the open end with masking tape so it will not leak if dropped or left on its side. Store the cartridge or dispose of it.

• 2

  Hold the nib section under lukewarm running water until the the water runs completely clear, meaning the old ink color drained out completely.

• 3

  Fold a paper towel twice (lengthwise, and then in half again) on a flat surface, then hold the pen nib directly on the towel so that any remaining moisture inside blots onto the towel. You may need to move the nib if the paper becomes too wet.

• 4

  Holding the wide end of the the new ink cartridge, push the narrow end in until you feel it give, which indicates that the cartridge is properly housed.

• 5

  Screw the pen back together, touch the nib to a dry paper towel and apply slight downward pressure to force ink to flow to the nib.

Using Bottled Inks and a Converter

• 6

  Open the ink bottle on a flat surface and run about a cup of lukewarm water into the plastic cup or container while keeping it in the sink.
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• 7

  Unscrew the pen barrel, dip the nib in the warm water and use the converter to empty and fill the reservoir with water several times to clear the reservoir of the old ink.

• 8

  Fold a paper towel twice (lengthwise, and then in half again) on a flat surface, then hold the pen nib directly on the towel so that any remaining moisture inside blots onto the towel. You may need to move the nib if the paper becomes too wet.

• 9

  Lower the nib into the ink bottle. Use the converter to slowly draw the ink into the reservoir, then lift the nib out of the bottle and wipe the excess ink away with a paper towel.

• 10

  Screw the pen back together, recap the bottle and discard the water.