How to Fill a Fountain Pen Using a Converter and Ink Bottle

Read time: ~4 min

 

If your fountain pen came with a small tube-like piece that sits inside the barrel — that's a converter. It's one of the most popular filling systems around because it lets you use any bottled ink you like. The world is your oyster (or rather, your ink bottle).

 

Here's how to do it, step by step.

 

What is a converter?

A converter is a reusable ink reservoir that fits where a cartridge would normally go. Instead of buying pre-filled cartridges, you dip your nib into a bottle of ink and draw it up manually. It sounds fancy, but it's very straightforward.

What you'll need

• Your fountain pen with a converter installed
• A bottle of fountain pen ink
• A clean cloth or paper towel

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Unscrew or pull apart your pen Gently unscrew the barrel from the grip section (the part that holds the nib). You should see the converter sitting inside. Make sure it's properly attached — it should click or twist snugly into place.

Step 2: Twist the converter piston to the top Most converters have a small knob or button at the end. Twist it clockwise until the piston (the little rubber disc inside) moves all the way up toward the top. This pushes out any air or leftover ink and creates space for fresh ink.

Step 3: Submerge the nib in ink Open your ink bottle and dip the entire nib and grip section into the ink. You want the nib fully submerged — not just the tip. This helps avoid air pockets when you draw the ink up.

Step 4: Draw the ink up Slowly twist the converter knob counter-clockwise. You'll see the ink rise up into the converter. Keep going until the converter is full (or as full as you'd like).

Step 5: Remove and wipe clean Lift the pen out of the ink bottle and gently wipe the nib and grip section with a clean cloth. A little ink on the outside is totally normal — just clean it up so it doesn't end up on your hands.

Step 6: Reassemble and test Screw the barrel back on and give it a test on scrap paper. If ink doesn't flow immediately, try holding the nib down for a moment or giving the pen a gentle shake.

 

How much ink does a converter hold? Most converters hold around 0.5–1ml of ink — enough for several pages of writing depending on the nib size and how you write.

 

Can I use any ink with a converter? Yes! That's the beauty of converters. Any bottled fountain pen ink will work. Just make sure you're not using India ink or calligraphy ink — these can clog your pen.

 

Shop converters and ink bottles: Inks & Refills collection