Stationery Tips

1. The Golden Rule of Storage

  • Gel & Ballpoints: Store them horizontally. This prevents the ink from settling too far from the tip (which causes skipping) or leaking out the back (which causes a mess).

  • Fountain Pens: Store them vertically (nib up). This prevents ink from pooling in the cap and keeps the feed clear.

  • Brush Pens & Markers: Always store horizontally to keep both ends of the fiber saturated.

2. The "Dry Pen" Resurrection

Before you toss a "dead" refill, try the "Centripetal Kickstart":

  1. Ensure the cap is on tight (crucial!).

  2. Hold the back end of the pen and shake it vigorously in a downward arc (like you’re shaking an old glass thermometer).

  3. The force helps push the ink back toward the ball.
    Note: Never use a lighter to "heat up" a gel pen tip—it melts the tiny plastic housing and ruins the pen forever.

3. Notebook "Tough Love"

  • Watch the Humidity: Premium paper like Midori MD is sensitive to moisture. If you live in a humid climate, keep your notebooks away from open windows to prevent the pages from "waving."

  • The "Hand Oil" Factor: If you find a spot on the page where the ink won't stick, it's likely oils from your palm. Using a "pencil board" or a scrap piece of paper under your hand while you write is a game-changer for keeping your pages clean.

4. Cleaning Your Metal Chassis

If you bought a rOtring 600 or a Uni Zento, the matte finish can pick up oils over time.

  • The Fix: A quick wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth is usually enough. For stubborn grime in the knurled grip, a soft-bristled dry toothbrush works wonders. Avoid harsh chemicals—they can strip the anodized coating.

 

Stationery Tips

1. The Golden Rule of Storage

  • Gel & Ballpoints: Store them horizontally. This prevents the ink from settling too far from the tip (which causes skipping) or leaking out the back (which causes a mess).

  • Fountain Pens: Store them vertically (nib up). This prevents ink from pooling in the cap and keeps the feed clear.

  • Brush Pens & Markers: Always store horizontally to keep both ends of the fiber saturated.

2. The "Dry Pen" Resurrection

Before you toss a "dead" refill, try the "Centripetal Kickstart":

  1. Ensure the cap is on tight (crucial!).

  2. Hold the back end of the pen and shake it vigorously in a downward arc (like you’re shaking an old glass thermometer).

  3. The force helps push the ink back toward the ball.
    Note: Never use a lighter to "heat up" a gel pen tip—it melts the tiny plastic housing and ruins the pen forever.

3. Notebook "Tough Love"

  • Watch the Humidity: Premium paper like Midori MD is sensitive to moisture. If you live in a humid climate, keep your notebooks away from open windows to prevent the pages from "waving."

  • The "Hand Oil" Factor: If you find a spot on the page where the ink won't stick, it's likely oils from your palm. Using a "pencil board" or a scrap piece of paper under your hand while you write is a game-changer for keeping your pages clean.

4. Cleaning Your Metal Chassis

If you bought a rOtring 600 or a Uni Zento, the matte finish can pick up oils over time.

  • The Fix: A quick wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth is usually enough. For stubborn grime in the knurled grip, a soft-bristled dry toothbrush works wonders. Avoid harsh chemicals—they can strip the anodized coating.