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I have been teaching classes incorporating the use of the tech pen for several years now, and I kind of pride myself in having almost total knowledge of this pen and what makes it work as well as what makes it keep on working! Most students grimace when I mention this piece of equipment, so when I teach my seminars I try to devote some time in class to explain, demonstrate, and answer questions about what makes it.
I have been adding a few things on the website for informational purposes, and I think a photo guide of pen filling, care, and maintenance as well as trouble-shooting would be something just about everyone could benefit from. We will first take a look at the basic way to fill and start a new pen, then move on to cleaning and storing your pen. Lets begin: |
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First of all, this is my favorite size pen (Size 1) . If you read through any of my packets, this is my pen size of choice. Always use the right ink for the pen, and in this case I recommend FW Dayler Rowney Black Ink. I do not recommend 3085 Ultradraw because it smears, does not dry as well as the FW Black, melts under sealer spray, and washes out of fabric after detailing sweatshirts, etc.
I ink on fabric, watercolor paper, wood, canvas, tin, glass, slate, and many other background choices. Prepping the surface before inking is something I cover in my pattern packets. |
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Now, lets talk about filling your new pen! |
| First, the pen cap unscrews. [1] Set the cap down and unscrew the clamp ring [the color coded ring] and the pen holder at the same time. [2] Now pull the clear cylinder away from the pen body. [3] |
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Only add ink filling 1/3 of the cylinder. [4] Assemble the parts back together. Now to start your pen. [5] Hold it point up with the cap off. Flick the handle with your fingernail, as someone would prepare a hypodermic needle. Now, hold the pen point down and repeat the same step. Now rap the back of your hand with the heel of your free hand. Gently draw the pen across paper and within a few seconds you will have ink flow. |
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SOME REMINDERS:
After your pen has ink in it:
1. Don't set the pen down without putting the cap back on it securely.
2. ALWAYS be careful NOT to screw the cap on too tightly. It will cause
splitting on the pen holder. Just tighten til you feel it is secure.
3. If you pause to do something and the pen is in your hand, gently put your
index finger over the tip of the pen so the ink does not get a chance to dry
out. [Little things like this can prevent a lot of aggravation.]
4. NEVER store your pen for long periods of time with ink in it. [Explanation
and photos to follow.]
5. Never take the pen apart past the point where you pull off the tiny clear cap
and pull out the wire. If you follow my suggestions for pen care and storage
after use, there will never be any reason to go to this extreme. |
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After filling your pen and starting it, continue using it even if it is for multiple days until your project is completed. "NOW the important part!" Do not leave ink in your pen for an extended period of time, ever. Here is a fail proof way to maintain your pen and always have it in good working condition.
1. Disassemble the pen parts.
2. Use the nib wrench [1] to
remove the pen point [2]
from the body [3].
3. Pull the cylinder [4] away
from the pen body.
4. Rinse parts [2], [3], and [4]
under tap water til no ink is
evident. |
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My secret defense against the pens getting clogged and having them not work the next time I go to use them is a simple solution! After taking the pen apart as mentioned in the previous segment, store the pen tip [1], and the pen body [2] in a small container [a film canister works wonderfully], filled with household ammonia. Any brand or type will suffice. Submerge the 2 parts in ammonia and store them in it until the next time you have a project to work on. When ready to start a new project, take the tip and body out of the ammonia. Wipe and tap onto paper towel to remove ammonia. No need to rinse, just add ink to the cylinder, assemble, write across paper, and within a few seconds the ink cancels out any ammonia that would be up in the stainless steel tip, and you have ink flow! |
Occasionally you will find that your pen is beyond help and needs servicing for details
click here |
For more product information visit the Chartpak / Koh-I-NOOR web site. |
