This blog covers the best way to store your pens (gel pens, felt-tip pens, fountain pens, chalk markers, highlighters...)
The Best Way To Store Your Pens
If you're a writer, you're most likely also a bibliophile, ephemerist, or penophile. The latter refers to a person who enjoys and collects pens. If that sounds like you, you're familiar with pen problems, such as felt tips that dry out, fountain pens that bleed and leak, and similar situations. You might even have thrown out a few pens believing they were the problem. In fact, you'll be surprised to know that the issue may have just been how you were storing your pens. So, what is the best way to store your pens?
The Best Way to Store Ballpoint Pens
The best way to store ballpoint pens is on their side. Storing them horizontally helps prevent ink from pooling or settling in one area, which can lead to uneven flow and potential issues with writing when you first use the pen.
Additionally, storing ballpoint pens upright (point tip up) can cause the ink to dry out more quickly or even leak, while storing them with the tip down can cause excess ink to accumulate at the tip, making it messy when you start using the pen.
Storing ballpoint pens on their side ensures a more even distribution of ink inside the pen, which helps maintain consistent and smooth writing performance. It also reduces the risk of leakage and ink drying out prematurely. So, when you're not using your ballpoint pens, laying them flat on a surface is the best way to keep them in good condition.
The Best Way to Store Gel Pens
The best way to store gel pens is horizontally, on their side. Similar to ballpoint pens, storing gel pens horizontally helps prevent ink from settling in one area and ensures a more even distribution of ink inside the pen. This promotes smooth writing and reduces the likelihood of encountering issues when using the pen later on.
Storing gel pens upright (point tip up) can cause the gel ink to dry out faster or even leak, while storing them with the tip down can lead to excess ink pooling at the tip, causing a messy start when you begin writing.
Laying gel pens flat on a surface when not in use helps maintain consistent ink flow and extend the life of the pen. This way, when you pick up the pen to write, it should be ready to go without any problems.
The Best Way to Store Felt Tip Pens and Markers
Felt-tip pens and markers are best stored with the tip facing downward (upside down) to prevent the felt tip from drying out. When you store felt-tip pens and markers upside down, the ink naturally flows toward the tip, keeping it moist and ready for immediate use. This position helps maintain the performance of the pen or marker by preventing the tip from drying out or becoming scratchy when you need to write or draw.
Storing felt-tip pens and markers upright (tip up) or horizontally can cause the ink to settle in the back of the tip, potentially leading to drying and making them less effective over time.
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of felt-tip pens and markers, store them with the tip facing downward when not in use. This method will help keep the felt tip moist and maintain a smooth writing or drawing experience.
The Best Way to Store Fine-Tip Pens
The best way to store fine-tip pens is upright, with the tip facing upward. Unlike ballpoint and gel pens, fine-tip pens, especially those with very fine and delicate tips, contain different types of ink, such as water-based ink or pigment ink. Storing them upright helps prevent the ink from settling or clogging the tip, which could affect the pen's performance and the quality of the fine lines it produces.
When you store fine-tip pens with the tip facing upward, gravity pulls the ink away from the tip, reducing the risk of ink buildup and ensuring a smooth writing experience when you use the pen next time. Additionally, storing them upright helps maintain a consistent ink flow and prevents any potential leaking issues that could occur if the pen were stored with the tip facing downward.
In summary, for fine-tip pens, it's best to store them upright with the tip facing upward to keep the ink flowing smoothly and maintain the pen's overall performance.
The Best Way to Store Fountain Pens
The best way to store fountain pens is with the nib facing up or horizontally on their side. Storing them with the nib facing upward or horizontally helps prevent ink from pooling around the nib and keeps the ink from drying out or leaking. Both of these positions are commonly recommended for fountain pens.
Storing a fountain pen with the nib facing downward (pointing down) is generally not recommended because it can lead to ink pooling around the nib and potentially causing leakage issues. Additionally, storing it with the nib facing down may allow air to enter the ink feed, which can disrupt the ink flow when you try to use the pen later on.
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your fountain pen, store it with the nib facing up or on its side when not in use. Also, be sure to clean the pen regularly and follow any specific manufacturer instructions for storage, as some fountain pens may have unique requirements based on their design and materials.
The Best Way to Store Highlighters
Traditional liquid ink highlighters with a free-flowing ink system are typically designed to be stored face-down. Storing them with the cap on and the tip facing downward helps keep the felt or brush tip saturated with ink, making it ready for immediate use when you uncap the highlighter.
On the other hand, some highlighters, especially those with gel-based or alternative ink formulations, can be stored horizontally on their side. These types of highlighters have a gel-like ink that doesn't require gravity to flow to the tip as much as traditional liquid ink highlighters. Storing them horizontally can still maintain an even ink distribution and ensure smooth highlighting when used.
It's essential to check the manufacturer's recommendations on the highlighter's packaging or website for the best storage method. Some highlighters are specifically designed for one orientation, while others may be more versatile in their storage requirements. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to maximize the performance and lifespan of your highlighters.
The Best Way to Store Chalk Markers
Chalk markers are best stored vertically, with the tips pointing up. Storing them in this manner helps prevent the ink from settling at the bottom and keeps the tips from becoming clogged.
Storing chalk markers horizontally or on their side can lead to the ink settling in one area, potentially causing inconsistent ink flow and making them less effective over time. Storing them with the tips facing downward could also cause excess ink to accumulate at the tips, resulting in a messy start when you use the markers.
By keeping chalk markers in a holder or container with the tips pointing up, you ensure that the ink is evenly distributed inside the markers, making them ready for immediate use when you need them. This method helps maintain a smooth writing or drawing experience and extends the life of the markers.
Best Pen Storage Options
Throughout my endeavors to organize my home office, I've come across some useless pen storage solutions and some great ones. Below are some of the best options I've found for storing pens and writing instruments in different positions.
Horizontal Pen Storage Options
Vertically stacking horizontal pen drawers are always a great space-saving solution for storing pens horizontally. Alternatively, you can use an X-shaped horizontal pen cup or side-by-side pen drawers.
Vertical Pen Storage Options
You can't go wrong with a simple one-compartment pen cup for vertical storage. But if you'd like to add some functionality to your desk, you can opt for a complete desk organization unit.
Upside-Down Pen Storage Options
For upside-down pen storage you could just reverse the position of your pens in a vertical pen cup. But I've found that storing them in an angled holder like the ones below is more appropriate.
Dual Position Pen Storage Options
Most writers have a medley of pens to choose from for different tasks. This is pretty much the case for anyone, students, authors, and everyone in between. When you have to organize pens that should be stored in different positions, you can opt for a dual-use pen holder with compartments for vertical, horizontal, and or upside-down storage.
