Caring for Your Ballpoint Pen

Ballpoint pens have a well-earned reputation for reliability. They work on almost any surface, in almost any condition, and require very little fuss. But a handcrafted ballpoint pen is a different kind of instrument — one that deserves a little more attention than a disposable pen from a desk drawer. With the right care, your handcrafted ballpoint will write beautifully and look stunning for years to come.

1. Keep the Tip Clean

Over time, oil-based ballpoint ink can build up around the tip, leading to blobbing or skipping. If you notice your pen leaving ink blobs on the page, gently wipe the tip with a soft, dry cloth or a piece of paper. For more stubborn buildup, a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol will dissolve the dried ink without damaging the refill.

2. Retract When Not in Use

Always retract the tip when you're not writing. Leaving the tip exposed allows the ink to dry at the point, which can cause hard starts or inconsistent flow. It also risks accidental marks on clothing, bags, or paper.

3. Write at a Comfortable Angle

Ballpoint pens write best at an angle of roughly 45 to 60 degrees from the page. Writing at too steep an angle (nearly vertical) can cause the ball to drag rather than roll smoothly, leading to skipping or uneven lines. A comfortable, natural writing angle will give you the most consistent results.

4. Store Horizontally or Tip-Down

Unlike fountain pens, ballpoints can be stored tip-down without any issues — in fact, it can help keep the ink flowing toward the tip. Horizontal storage is also perfectly fine. Avoid storing tip-up for extended periods, as gravity can cause the ink to settle away from the ball.

5. Care for the Barrel and Body

The barrel of your handcrafted pen — whether it's turned from exotic wood, acrylic, or resin — is what makes it truly one of a kind. To keep it looking its best:

• Wood barrels: Occasionally apply a small amount of carnauba wax or Renaissance Wax with a soft cloth to nourish the wood and maintain its lustre. Alternately, you can contact us to discuss a full refinish of your pen's body. Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
• Acrylic and resin barrels: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and dust. If the surface becomes dull over time, a plastic polish applied with a soft cloth will restore the shine.

6. Replace the Refill When Needed

When your ballpoint pen starts to run dry or write inconsistently, it's time for a new refill. Most handcrafted ballpoints use standard refill sizes — check with your pen maker for the correct replacement. Swapping a refill takes seconds and gives your pen a fresh start without any of the cleaning required for fountain pens. There are also upgrade refills with different qualities and colours of inks that will improve your writing experience. Contact us for recommendations.

A Pen Worth Caring For

Every ballpoint pen we make at The Artisan Pensmith is handcrafted in Canada from hand-selected materials. We build them to last — and with a little care, they will. If you have questions about maintaining your specific pen or sourcing a replacement refill, we're always here to help.