Gel Pens

Gel pens have become quite popular. They use the same basic mechanism as roller-type ballpoint pens, but the ink inside is noticeably thicker than standard ballpoint ink. The inks in our gel pens are often augmented with aluminum sparkles and varying colors for added visual punch.

Many factors such as storage conditions and use frequency can affect the life of any pen, but gel pens can have a few unique quirks, so we would like to offer some important tips to keep in mind for successful results:

Always replace the caps immediately. Leaving the protective caps off gel pens can cause the ink inside to dry quickly. A small silicone ball inside the tip of the cap must be in place to form an airtight seal. The mechanism which draws ink through gel pens and into the tip is easily damaged if not handled with care. Many users may try to revive a dry gel pen by tapping on the top or bottom, but this is never a good idea. The roller ball assembly can become jammed from the impact.

If your gel pens should go dry, experts suggest rolling the tip in small circles until the ink flows again. Some find that rolling the pen on a thumb or opposite palm will renovate the pen, but results may very and the ink should be washed off immediately to prevent staining. Gel pens do not work well on greasy surfaces, so users should wash and dry their hands thoroughly before using them.

Certain paper surfaces are better than others when it comes to using gel pens. It's best to experiment with different types of paper to see how the pen and ink will respond.

And finally, always store your pens tip side down, so the gel stays close to the writing end.

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