How do you use a nib?

To dip your pen, simply insert it straight into the ink. Make sure to dip past the reservoir (the hole in the top center of the nib), but don't go so far as to get ink on the handle or nib holder. Lightly tap the nib on the edge of the ink container as you lift it up to get rid of any excess ink.

How does a nib work?

A nib is the part of a quill, dip pen, fountain pen, ball point or stylus which comes into contact with the writing surface in order to deposit ink. Different types of nibs vary in their purpose, shape and size, as well as the material from which they are made.

What do you dip a nib into?

Dip the pen in ink to just above the middle hole in the nib (the “vent”), and give the pen a firm shake to encourage excess ink off. Maintain a 45 degree-ish angle between the paper and the pen. Always exert even pressure to both tines of the nib; do not apply more pressure to one side or the other.

What nib is best for drawing?

Drawing Nibs J and N (GCNJ and GCNN respectively) offer slightly finer nibs – nib J is the finest – and must be used with a different handle (GCHO). Mapping nibs have a finer point still, and must be used with a mapping pen handle.

How do you prepare new nibs?

Use a Potato to Prepare New Calligraphy Nibs

Push your nib halfway into the potato, exerting firm but gentle pressure. Let the nib sit for fifteen minutes. Try not to exceed fifteen minutes, or the nib may start to rust. Wipe the nib off, and you're all set to go!

Prepping a New Nib for Calligraphy || Calligraphy Tips

How does the tip of a fountain pen work?

To reach the page, the ink flows through a fountain pen's feed, travels down to the nib, and onto the paper by a combination of gravity and capillary action. As the fountain pen is pointed downward to the paper, gravity gently pulls the ink toward the page. The other force at work is capillary action.

How do calligraphy nibs work?

So, when pressure is applied, the point at the end of the nib will split apart; these two sides of the split are called the 'tines. ' This splitting of the nib allows the ink to flow down either side of the tines, creating thick lines whilst making a downward stroke.

Why is my dip pen scratchy?

If a nib that previously wrote smoothly has suddenly turned scratchy, it has probably suffered some sort of trauma. The most common being misalignment. If bumped or dropped one of the tines can move in relation with the other. This is the first thing to look for.

What kind of pen do you dip in ink?

A dip pen or nib pen or pen nib usually consists of a metal nib with capillary channels like those of fountain pen nibs, mounted in a handle or holder, often made of wood.

How do you start a beginner calligraphy?

How do you hold a calligraphy pen nib?

Your thumb and index finger will be on the top of the pen while your middle finger rests under the pen. Your thumb, however, will also be resting on the flange. Keeping your thumb on the flange will afford you complete control of the pressure that you exert on the nib!

What is a fountain pen nib?

A fountain pen nib is the metal writing point at the end of the writing instrument. Virtually all quality fountain pens use solid gold nibs, both for their durability and for the smoothness of the writing experience they provide.

Can you put a dip pen nib on a fountain pen?

No. As there is no place for the fountain pen tip to hold a reservoir of ink through dipping. A dip pen has a slight concave curvature.