How to Use a Dip Pen | Ink, Angle, and Flow

For the full breakdown, see our best Dip Pens guide.

Whether you’re learning calligraphy or trying a new drawing tool, a dip pen offers line variation that a standard fountain pen can’t match. The process is simple once you understand a few fundamentals. Here’s the complete routine, from inserting the nib to storing the pen afterward.

What You Need Before You Start

Before your first dip, gather a few basic supplies. The core setup is the nib and holder, but paper and ink choice change how the pen behaves. Kakimori’s guide notes that preparing the nib properly makes the first writing session smoother.

• A nib holder (straight or oblique, depending on your grip preference).
• Dip pen nibs — these come in various flex levels and tip sizes.
• Ink made for dip pens; some fountain pen inks work, but thicker calligraphy ink flows better.
• Low-absorbency paper — smooth or coated paper gives crisper lines.

New nibs often carry a thin manufacturing residue or protective oil. Cleaning that off first improves ink flow dramatically. Rinse the nib in water or wipe it with a soft cloth, then dry it before dipping. Fountain Pen Guide’s dip pen overview recommends this prep step for the first use.

How To Insert The Nib And Dip In Ink

Inserting and dipping are quick once you know the details. The nib slides into the holder’s metal collar, and the ink should touch only the nib — never the holder itself.

1. Insert the nib into the holder’s metal collar. Push it in until it seats fully at the base. Many guides confirm the nib goes in far enough to feel firmly held in place.
2. Grip it near the base of the holder, around where your index finger rests naturally. Hold it as you would a normal pen.
3. Dip the nib straight down into the ink until the ink reaches the breather hole — the small vent hole in the center of the nib. Do NOT push the holder’s metal rim into the ink.
4. Lift and tap the nib against the inkwell’s rim or do a quick downward shake to remove excess ink. You want a smooth, even coating, not drops waiting to fall.

The breather hole regulates ink flow. Keeping the ink level at or just below this hole is the standard approach that prevents blobs and keeps the nib from flooding the page.

Writing Angle, Pressure, And Re-Dipping

Your hand position dictates how well the ink flows. Hold the pen so the nib meets the paper at about a 45-degree angle — this creates the right balance between ink flow and line control. The Pen Company’s beginner guide for dip pens specifically notes that a steeper angle tends to catch the nib’s tines in the paper and interrupt the ink’s path.

Light pressure is the rule for most nibs. A relaxed touch produces thin, even strokes; pressing harder spreads the tines and makes a wider line. This flex is part of the dip pen’s appeal, but too much force can bend the tines out of alignment permanently.

As you write, the ink thins. One dip lasts for roughly two to three sentences on average, depending on your ink’s viscosity and the paper’s absorbency. When the line turns faint or scratchy, it’s time to re-dip. Set the pen down on a pen rest between dips so the nib doesn’t roll off your desk.

Cleaning And Storing Your Dip Pen

Dip pens need more upkeep than ballpoints. Ink left on the nib dries into buildup that blocks flow, and some iron-gall inks can corrode the metal over time.

After each writing session, wipe the nib clean with a soft cloth, then rinse it under cool water. Dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth, and let it air dry completely before storing. Check the nib’s tines while you clean — if they look bent or misaligned, avoid using the pen until you’ve gently adjusted them or replaced the nib.

If you want to try different nibs or a comfortable holder, a solid dip pen makes the learning process easier. Our tested roundup covers good options for beginners and working artists alike.

FAQs