How to Change Ink Color in a Fountain Pen

Cartridge Inks

• 1

  Unscrew the pen into two pieces and remove the cartridge from the nib end. If you want to save any remaining cartridge ink for future use, secure the open end tightly with a small piece of masking tape before storing it.

• 2

  Hold the nib section screw end up and nib pointed toward the ground so that you can run a stream of warm water through it until the old ink drains out and the water runs completely clear.

• 3

  Push the narrow end of the new ink cartridge into the nib section until it is securely housed and then screw the nib and barrel sections together.

• 4

  Use gentle pressure to touch the nib onto a dry paper towel. This will start the ink cartridge to flow.

Bottled Inks

• 5

  Put a cup or so of warm tap water into a small cup or bowl, unscrew the pen into two pieces and set the barrel section aside.

• 6

  Dip the nib fully into the warm water while gently twisting the converter feed so that it empties and fills the reservoir several times. This action clears the reservoir and nib of the original ink color. If the water gets completely discolored, refill the cup or bowl periodically.

• 7

  Fold a few paper towels to make a thick matting and touch the nib onto them so that any water remaining in the nib drains to the paper.

• 8

  Open the ink bottle that contains the new color on a flat surface and lower the nib into the ink. Gently twist the converter to fill the reservoir.

• 9

  Lift the nib out of the ink, recap the bottle and use a paper towel to dry the outside of the nib section and the nib itself. This action will start the ink flow.

• 10

  Screw the barrel and nib sections back together.