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How to Store Pens

How to Store Pens

May 18, 2021 - Posted by Connie to Guides, Pens, Beginners' Guides, Stationery 101

How to Store Pens

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “How do I store my pen collection?” Thankfully, it’s very easy to store pens correctly to ensure that they will last as long as possible. In this guide, we’ll go over the best storage practices for some of the most popular writing instruments and art supplies.

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 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.
Pens that use water-based inks, such as gel pens and rollerball pens, should be kept on their sides.
Gel pens and rollerball pens, on the other hand, are filled with water-based inks that are more fluid than ballpoint ink. Therefore, pens like the Zebra Sarasa Clip and Ohto Fude Ball should be kept on their sides to prevent ink from leaking from the tip.
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.
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.
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.
To make sure that markers, brush pens, and highlighters continue to create vibrant lines, they should be stored horizontally or with the tip down. Double-sided markers like Tombow Dual Brush Pens should be stored horizontally. This allows the ink to saturate both tips, rather than just one side.
Paint Markers
Paint markers use a thicker, paint-like ink that can flow out of the tip. They should be stored horizontally.
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.
Conclusion

Storing your pens the right way has two important benefits. First, it keeps your pens working down to the last drop of ink. Second, it prevents the frustration of a pen refusing to start as soon as you put the tip to paper. Putting your pens away correctly is a simple habit that saves you time and money in the long run. Watch our Storing Pens and Other Pen Hacks video see these storage tips in action!

Type of Pen How should I store it?
Ballpoint Pen Tip down
Gel Pen Horizontally
Rollerball Pen Horizontally
Fountain Pen Tip down (if dry), horizontally
Marker Tip down, horizontally
Brush Pen Tip down, horizontally
Highlighter Tip down, horizontally
Double-Sided Marker Horizontally
Paint Marker Horizontally