So, you’ve found your perfect pen. What now? You probably want to keep it in its packaging or gift box so you can protect it from all manner of scratches and scrapes, or, if you’re like many pen lovers, you perhaps just want to stare at it! But, pens, after all, are meant to be used, and the best pens have some level of resistance against everyday wear and tear. But, no pen is completely immune to the threat of a scratch here and there. But, never fear, there are plenty of things you can do to help protect your new loved one, so it retains its gleaming, new finish, and untarnished shine for longer.
Our Top Tips For Pen Protection
- Keep it safe and protected
A felt pen case or pencil holder acts as an extremely efficient pen protector and is better than a case or tin which is likely to hold other pens alongside it. The constant rubbing and knocking against other pens in the pencil case or tin can create small scratches that, over time, can add up to a finish that is much reduced in terms of its glossiness. You can often choose a felt pen case in a variety of colors so it can match some of your other EDC items.
Prevent the pen from rolling around your desk when you are not using it by purchasing a wooden pen tray. This will protect the pen from whichever surface you are working on, indoors or outdoors, and stops your pen from rolling off the table or surface only to receive a far more epic bump when it hits the floor. A well-designed pen tray also makes a nice, attractive addition to your work station.
- Respect the nib
This is especially true of fountain pens. Avoid placing too much pressure on the nib of your pen while writing. If you need something weightier, try a different pen, perhaps one that is made of a heavier metal such as stainless steel. Putting too much pressure on a nib can permanently affect the way in which the pen writes, and not always for the better. Depending on the brand and type of pen you use, the replacement nib may be costly, so bear this in mind when writing with a particular pen and nib.
- Make sure you use your pen frequently
No pen is going to feel absolutely perfect and readily molded to your hand the instant you begin to use it. But, over time, a fountain pen or a ballpoint pen can adapt to the way you write, the angle at which you hold it and the way you rest on the nib or ballpoint, and the pressure you place on it. It’s at this point the pen has become truly yours and truly unique. But, this will only happen if you use your pen frequently. Daily, or several times a day, if possible, or for significant periods, such as the length of time it may take to write a letter of thanks.
- Make sure your ink is fresh
If, for whatever reason, you have not been able to use your pen for a while, change the ink first so you are writing with fresh, clean ink which is of the correct texture and thickness. Writing with old ink can cause damage to a pen, not to mention the fact your handwriting will not look as clean or polished as it usually does.
- Store your pen properly
When you are not using your pen, store it in the best way for the type of pen it is. For example, if you write with a gel pen or a Sharpie, store it nib-side down so the nib doesn’t dry out which is a common problem with these types of pens. If you have a ballpoint, it is a good idea to store it nib-side up so that it doesn’t leak or clog the ballpoint. If you use a fountain pen, the best way to store it is to keep it lying flat, or horizontal. This is because it is good to keep the ink in contact with the nib but without the risk of leaking. Be careful about storing pens or pencils with very sharp points with the nibs facing up as this can prove dangerous should someone stumble and fall onto them. These can be stored in a lie-flat box or container with separators to stop them from banging into each other.
So, now you have no excuse for keeping your precious new pen locked away for fear of it getting damaged. With the right accessories, the right storage and the right use, you can take your pen everywhere, safe in the knowledge it is well-protected and ready to last you for a very long time.
