Help - my dip pen won't work - how to prepare you dip pen nib

Help! My dip pen nib is horrible and won't work!


Do you have to do something before you can use it and how do you prepare it?


So, you've treated yourself to a dip pen and started to try to use it for sketching. Maybe you are doing Inktober and thought it was a good idea. But it is horrible, it holds no ink and you are ready to throw it away. Stop! Did no one tell you that you have to prepare it, before using it? Of course they didn't.


Dip pen nibs come covered in oil/wax to protect them during production and in storage. If you don't remove the coating, you will be really frustrated.


In this quick film we do an entirely non-scientific test to work out the best way of preparing your new nib. We use heat, window cleaner and good old spit!


And remember, pen nibs are like a pair of new shoes, they need to be worn in...



If you find this film useful, please hit the like button and consider subscribing. I do a tip, trick or technique each week.


#lizchaderton #dippen #penandink