How Do I Store My Pens?
No matter what pen you’re using, be certain to cap the pen or retract the tip when you’re done writing. Not only does this keep your pen from making stray marks on pen cases and pockets, it also prevents the pen from drying out. Try not to keep your pens with the tips facing up: this can make the ink run to the bottom of the pen, which can lead to hard starts or cause the tip to dry out.
Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens should be stored with the tip pointing down.
Ballpoint pens like the
Uni Jetstream use a viscous, oil-based ink. They should be kept with the tip pointing down, which keeps the ink from flowing away from the tip.
Gel Pens & Rollerball Pens
Pens that use water-based inks, such as gel pens and rollerball pens, should be kept on their sides.
Fountain Pens
Fountain pens may leak ink, so they should be stored on their sides. We always recommend cleaning fountain pens if they won’t be used for a while to prevent any clogs.
If your
fountain pen is a little dry, you can store it tip down to help ink flow to the feed. However, we generally recommend storing fountain pens horizontally in case they leak ink. Be sure to
clean your pens completely if you don’t plan to use them for longer than two or three weeks.
Markers, Brush Pens, & Highlighters
Markers, brush pens, and highlighters can be stored either horizontally or with the tip down. Double-sided markers should be kept horizontally so that the ink doesn’t concentrate on one end.
Paint Markers
Paint markers use a thicker, paint-like ink that can flow out of the tip. They should be stored horizontally.
Like the name implies,
paint markers use a thicker, paint-like ink. Many paint markers use a pump action mechanism that floods the tip with ink, ensuring an opaque line. However, flooding the tip and then storing the marker facing down can cause ink to dribble out of the marker. Because of this, paint markers should be stored horizontally.
Miscellaneous Pens
Are you unsure what kind of writing instrument you’re using? When in doubt, store your pens horizontally.
