Questions & Answers
Which side of the pen to use?
The pen feels scratchy.
How do I set up a working board?
Does the Automatic Pen come with a handle?
My pen won't work!
Is the paint too thick.
Why are Automatic Pens called automatic?
How to clean the pens?
Can children use Automatic Pens?
Can disabled or special needs person or the elderly use Automatic Pens?Which side of the pen to use?
Which side of the pen to use?
Although the pen is designed with the serrated side up, you can use the pen on either side. Use whichever side works best for your project and materials.
The pen feels scratchy.
If a new pen is scratchy or the writing tip is rough, rub the tip back and forth on a very fine sandpaper or Wet or Dry abrasive paper - 400-1000 grade.
How do I set up a working board?
There should be a cushion of blotting paper or leather underneath the paper on which you wish to write or draw using the Automatic Pens.
Does the Automatic Pen come with a handle?
Each pen is complete with a non-staining pen handle- shown on the left at full size.
My pen won't work!
First removed the oil on the pen, by cleaning the pen point thoroughly in warm water with soap.Try using water soluble ink. Waterproof inks and acrylic inks tend to dry on the pen and clog it. To clean the pen, use an old toothbrush or scrape the inside of the pen point with a nice blade or with the Wet or Dry abrasive paper.
Is the paint too thick.
If you are using watercolour paint or gouache, add water and mix the paint thoroughly in a palette to a thin consistency like milk.
Why are Automatic Pens called automatic?
When the pens were first manufactured in the late 1800's, Victorians only used pointed pens. To make thicker lines, pressure was applied to the point to expand it. Engravers used cross-hatching lines and built up multiple lines to make thick strokes. The Automatic Pen with its unique broad width makes a thick stroke in one pen movement thereby "automatic"...
How to clean the pens?
Scrub inside and out using an old toothbrush and water. Dry using a soft cloth or paper towel.
Can children use Automatic Pens?
These pens are ideal for schools. I have taught children as young as four-years old as the pens are robust. The children enjoy writing with these pens because they give variable thicknesses for each stroke. Use water soluble inks in a small cup or palette. The letters can be written with the pens and then the spaces filled in with colour - crayons, markers or paint.
Can disabled or special needs person or the elderly use Automatic Pens?
Even if the hand trembles or is shaky, the pens write and will flow to write and for drawing. Be sure to have a writing board at a height that is comfortable for the user. As long as the hand can hold the penholder and there is some movement in the hand or arm, the pens will work.The pens can comfortably be held in the mouth or positioned in a holder.