How to Fill a Fountain Pen Using Ink Cartridges

Read time: ~3 min

 

Ink cartridges are the easiest, most no-mess way to fill a fountain pen — and they're perfect if you're new to fountain pens or always on the go. Think of them like a printer cartridge, but much more elegant.

 

Here's everything you need to know.

What is an ink cartridge?

An ink cartridge is a small, sealed tube of ink that snaps or slides into your pen. When it's empty, you swap it out for a new one. Simple, clean, and quick.

Most cartridges come in two standard sizes — international short and international long — but some pen brands (like Pilot, Sailor, and Pelikan) use their own proprietary cartridges. Always check which type your pen takes before buying.

What you'll need

• Your fountain pen
• Compatible ink cartridges
• A cloth or tissue (just in case)

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Unscrew the barrel Hold the grip section (the part with the nib) in one hand and unscrew the barrel with the other. Set the barrel aside somewhere safe.

Step 2: Remove the old cartridge (if replacing) If there's an old cartridge inside, pull it out gently. It may still have some ink left — hold it upright so it doesn't drip.

Step 3: Insert the new cartridge Take your new cartridge and line it up with the opening at the back of the grip section. Push it in firmly until you hear or feel a small click. That click means the seal has been punctured and ink can flow through.

Step 4: Hold nib-down and wait Hold the pen with the nib pointing down and give it 30–60 seconds. Gravity does the work here, pulling the ink down toward the nib.

Step 5: Test on scrap paper Screw the barrel back on and test the pen on a piece of scrap paper. If it's not writing immediately, try pressing the nib gently to the paper for a couple of seconds to encourage the flow.

 

What if the ink isn't flowing? Try pressing the cartridge in more firmly — sometimes it needs a little extra push to fully puncture the seal. If it's still not working after a couple of minutes, try squeezing the cartridge very gently (just once) to encourage the first drop of ink down.

 

Can I refill an empty cartridge? Technically yes — you can use a syringe to refill an empty cartridge with bottled ink. It's a little fiddly but totally doable if you want to experiment with different inks.

 

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