How to choose a pen: 13 Steps (with pictures)

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How to choose a pen: 13 Steps (with pictures)
How to choose a pen: 13 Steps (with pictures)
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Pens come in different shapes, sizes, and colors and are designed to meet a number of needs. Because of this, it can be challenging to find the exact pen that suits your purposes. If you're tired of using dry, rough pens every time you sign a form or sit down to write a thank you card, it will be worth the effort to find a more reliable writing implement. To start, think about what you are going to use the pen for. Then choose from different ink and color types, nib sizes, and body designs for a comfortable and personalized writing experience.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Examine Different Types of Pens

Choose a Pen Step 1
Choose a Pen Step 1

Step 1. Use a pen

Ballpoint pens are the most common variety you will find. They have a round tip that allows the oil-based ink to come out evenly and continuously, and to dry quickly. These are basic, inexpensive, and easy to buy in bulk. A ballpoint pen will serve most purposes.

  • Its biggest selling point is the low price. A large bag of disposable pens can be purchased for a few dollars.
  • Oil-based ink in pens can freeze and collect dust over time, causing sticky droplets to form around the tip.
Choose a Pen Step 2
Choose a Pen Step 2

Step 2. Try a roller pen

They are similar to ballpoint pens, but the ink they use is water-based, so it transfers pretty quickly to the paper and forms sharp, dark lines. They tend to have the smallest tip. Liquid ink is in an internal reservoir. Many professionals prefer a roller pen because it combines the thin lines and precision of a traditional fountain pen with the practicality of a ballpoint pen.

  • The finer point produces thinner lines, which means that your writing will look neater.
  • Roller pens can easily leak if you put them in a pocket, stand upside down for a long time, or are exposed to pressure changes. If you're not careful, the ink could ruin your clothes.
Choose a Pen Step 3
Choose a Pen Step 3

Step 3. Write evenly with a gel ink pen

They are named for the thick fluid they use to write. This type of ink creates extremely smooth, dark lines and feels even less effortful than a ballpoint pen. Gel ink became popular as an alternative to the rough and fine point ink pens of the late 1990s.

  • Gel ink pens are often refillable and slightly more expensive than regular pens.
  • A contrary point to the ability of gel inks to write thick, uniform lines is that they dry very slowly. The gel sits on the surface of the paper momentarily before it dries, making it more likely to get muddy and end in a mess.
Choose a Pen Step 4
Choose a Pen Step 4

Step 4. Learn to use a fountain pen

These types of pens are among the first that were invented and many people consider them to be the best. They are called “fountain pens” because of the way ink flows from an internal storage reservoir and exits the tip when you write. The ink used by fountain pens is dark and dries quickly, and the lines it produces are the thinnest and last the longest.

  • Feathers can be customized. You can put nibs (tips) of different thicknesses and change the ink to various colors. It is also possible to vary the thickness of the line when writing with a fountain pen, as the shape of the nib allows for different pressure angles.
  • The biggest downside to using a fountain pen is its tendency to leak, due to the way the ink is stored and transferred. It is quite difficult to learn to write with them.
Choose a Pen Step 5
Choose a Pen Step 5

Step 5. Be bold with a fine tip pen

End-point markers are on the line between traditional ink pens and felt-tip pens or markers. They use a fluffy fiber tip to distribute a dark (usually permanent) ink that dries onto the paper very quickly. Tips come in different sizes, with the thinnest being the most suitable for writing tasks. Nibs come in different sizes, while thicker nibs are often used for arts, construction, and crafts projects where big, bold, and legible writing is needed. The tapered tip shape allows the writer to form thin lines with the tip or strong, tapered strokes using only one side.

  • Fine-tip markers may not be the obvious writing implement, but they are useful if you're writing on an unusual surface or jotting down something that you want to make sure is visible.
  • Aqueous ink from a fine tip pen has a tendency to smudge and smear on thin papers. If you have to write precisely and fine, like when you do your signature, it would be better to look for another option.

Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Pen for the Task

Choose a Pen Step 6
Choose a Pen Step 6

Step 1. Buy a cheap, multipurpose bag of pens

Sometimes you will go for quantity over quality, especially if you only need a basic pen for occasional writing jobs. If this is the case, go to your local store and buy a pack of non-refillable pens for a few dollars. You'll have a supply that will get the job done and last for months (or even years, assuming the ink doesn't dry out), so you don't have to worry about running out of pens for a long time.

  • A pack of 60 Bic Stic pens can be purchased for less than $ 5. Inexpensive pens like these will be an easy option for people who don't want to spend a lot on writing supplies.
  • What these pens lack in sophistication, they make up for in availability.
Choose a Pen Step 7
Choose a Pen Step 7

Step 2. Find a comfortable pen to use

If you write a lot, make comfort a priority when choosing the right one for you. Today, many pen styles offer ergonomic designs and cushioned grip surfaces. These features will be a benefit if you spend many hours signing, writing, and outlining.

  • Try different feathers and see which one feels the best. Pay attention to factors such as weight, body width, and how well they fit your hand.
  • If you use a pen that you like when you're out and about, write down its make and model.
Choose a Pen Step 8
Choose a Pen Step 8

Step 3. Try different pens to find out which type of ink you like best

Find an ink that looks good and works for you. People who like thick, smooth lines will do well with a quality pen or gel ink pen. If you prefer the control and clean look of sharp, smooth lines, choose a roller or fountain pen. Choosing a type of ink is primarily a matter of preference, as they have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

The most important factors when deciding on an ink are how evenly it travels to the writing surface, how strong the color is, and how likely it is to smudge, smudge, or smudge

Choose a Pen Step 9
Choose a Pen Step 9

Step 4. Choose between different pens based on their unique characteristics

If you plan to use the pen for a specific purpose, such as making your signature legible on important documents or painting a drawing in ink, find a pen that works best for it. For artists, it is best to use fountain pens, as they have the widest range of nib sizes and can be refilled with almost any type of ink. Scientists, executives and students will prefer pens that are easy to carry and eject ink efficiently. People with arthritis may benefit from writing with wider pens that cause less gripping pain.

Left-handed people should consider using pens with fast-drying inks, as they are less likely to smudge when a hand passes over them

Choose a Pen Step 10
Choose a Pen Step 10

Step 5. Keep things simple with a refillable pen

To save money in the long run, try refillable ink pens. Fountain pens can be refilled with various types of ink, and more elaborate gel pens and pens can be taken apart when you have to change an old cartridge. It is much cheaper to buy replacement cartridges or inks than to buy brand new pens every time you run out.

  • Keep a group of refillable bottles, cartridges, or inks in your home, office, or locker so you always have fresh ink when you need it.
  • You could even get ink refills in unique colors, giving you the option to switch to blue, green, orange, or red if your job requires a lot of color coding or you get bored with plain black.

Part 3 of 3: Have a Good Pen Ready

Choose a Pen Step 11
Choose a Pen Step 11

Step 1. Buy your favorite pens in bulk

Once you've found a pen that you really like, buy yourself enough to last you for a while. Some brands offer them in bags, boxes, or even cases, which are perfect for people who are special about what they wear. Storing pens will ensure that you have a constant supplement and you will save yourself the trouble of buying new pens on a regular basis.

  • Go to wholesale stores for deals on bulk packages or order online.
  • Older models are often discontinued when new ones are released. If you prefer a particular pen, buy as much as you can in case it disappears from the market later.
Choose a Pen Step 12
Choose a Pen Step 12

Step 2. Invest in a premium quality pen and ink

Assuming you have a little money to spend, find out about the best quality specialty pens. Companies like Platinum, Waterman, and Montblanc make pens with perfect designs and durable materials, so they're guaranteed to last longer, filter less, and always perform at the best possible level. If you weigh your options carefully, you may never have to buy another pen again.

Buy a protective case to accompany an expensive pen and protect it from damage

Choose a Pen Step 13
Choose a Pen Step 13

Step 3. Store and preserve feathers properly

Regardless of the type of pen you ultimately choose, store it somewhere at room temperature out of the way when you're not using it. Store spare parts or refills with the pens in the same drawer or in a nearby pile of implements. Make sure the caps are securely fastened and the feathers are flat or nestled in a straight container to reduce the chances of leakage.

  • Remember where you leave your feathers so you don't lose them.
  • Check your pockets for feathers before washing and drying your clothes. Forgetting a feather when you wash is a sure way to ruin your clothes.

Advice

  • Try as many pens as you can until you find one that you are happy with.
  • When you have one that makes you feel comfortable, buy it in bulk. Don't start an expedition for another feather like that. This could eliminate muscle memory when you write with that pen, which could have a lasting effect on your handwriting, which is essential for when you take notes in class or on tests.
  • Always have a pen with you when you think you might need it. There is no point in going to the trouble of finding a pen that you are satisfied with if you forget it at home!
  • Notice how a pen writes on different surfaces, such as papal of different grades or thicknesses, before you settle on one.
  • Go to a store that sells office supplies when you are looking for a new pen. These places usually have containers filled with loose writing supplies that customers can try on stationery samples.
  • Ask friends you have who are writers, artists, or professionals in a line of work that involves handwriting to recommend a pen.

Warnings

  • Take care not to lose the small parts of the pens that can be recharged when you take them apart.
  • Writing on certain surfaces such as skin or correction fluid can impair the ability of the pen to distribute the ink properly.

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