Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I take care of the nibs?
If you are using a nib for the first time, you need to clean it to remove the lacquer/oils on it, this is a special coat that protects them from rusting, while in storage and during the shipping from the manufacturers.
To clean the nibs, there are a variety of methods that you can use, here are the most popular:
The potato trick: the starch of the potato is brilliant to gently remove films and coating from your nibs. Gently insert half of the nib in the potato, leave it for 15 min, then remove the nib and rinse with water, or wipe it with a damp paper towel, dry it with a piece of cloth or paper towel.
Toothpaste: white toothpaste also works really well, carefully use your fingers to rub the toothpaste on the nib, be aware that usually nibs are very pointed, clean it gently so the tip doesn't bend, rinse and dry it out with a paper towel or a cloth.
Even though burning the tip of the nib is a method, I don't particularly recommend it as the nib won't last that long.
Always, make sure to wipe and clean your nib as you go with water, a damp paper towel or a piece of cloth. Try to avoid using soap or any other cleaning agents since such chemicals could damage the nib, unless you are working with acrylic inks, in this case, you can use an acrylic paint cleaner.
When working with handmade papers, make also sure that no paper fibres are stranded on the tip.
Last but not least, make sure your nib doesn't fall on the floor or bump into any hard surface, so the tip stays in place.
What type of ink do you recommend?
It depends on the job you are doing:
Sumi inks give a smooth, velvety finish, great for writing and practising calligraphy in a wide range of good quality papers.
Acrylic inks are waterproof and therefore ideal for writing envelopes that will be delivered on the post, or for lasting artworks. Remember to clean your nib/brushes immediately after finishing a job to preserve the quality and durability of your favourite writing instruments.
Gouache is a water-based paint it usually comes in tubes. A particular advantage of using Gouache over coloured inks is they can be mixed to achieve practically any colour you want, you can use water and Gum Arabic to achieve your desired consistency and to prevent the ink from cracking, something that usually happens with gouache paints.
Watercolour inks: please see the Finetec section.
What should I do if my ink bleeds on the paper?
If your ink is bleeding, you can add a couple of drops of Gum Arabic into your ink, stir it until getting your desired consistency.
What type of nibs do you recommend?
My everyday go-to nibs are Nikko / Zebra G and Leonardt 41, they work brilliantly on a wide range of papers including cotton paper, their points are not too sharp, which is great if you are working with textured papers as well.
However, to achieve more styles and different line thickness, there is a whole universe of nibs that you can try, what matters the most is which ones work best for you. Here is a list of the nibs models we have on the website (my favourite ones):
Leonard 41 (aka crown nib): flexible nib, suitable for Copperplate, and Modern Calligraphy.
Leonard 40 (aka blue pumpkin): very flexible, great for Copperplate and Modern Calligraphy.
Manuscript General Nib: ideal for everyday practice
Leonardt 111EF Point Nib: very pointed, suitable for small Copperplate, Spencerian writing, and decoration.
Zebra G Nib: general handwriting nib for Copperplate, Spencerian, and Modern Calligraphy.
Nikko G Nib: general handwriting nib for Copperplate, Spencerian, and Modern Calligraphy.
Manuscript Drawing Nib 256: excellent for versals and tendrils.
Round nibs: traditional calligraphy nibs used for Roman round hand, Gothic, and Uncial/Celtic writing styles, the size of the writing is determined by the number of each round nib.
How do I change the nibs from my penholder?
To change the nib, gently pull the one in the pen holder and replace it with a new one.
What are Finetec Coliro Pearlcolours?
Finetec Coliro colours are handmade by a Germany-based family business, each colour is made from natural Mica Pigments (a light-fast mineral that doesnโt oxidize) and Gum Arabic (a natural product made of the hardened sap of the acacia tree), completely free of animal ingredients.
Each colour dissolves with water and a brush just like watercolours and are perfectly suited for calligraphy, lettering and painting.
Please note that Finetec Coliro never come in black square colour pots.
How do I use Finetec Coliro Colours?
Add a few drops of water onto your chosen colour.
Use a paintbrush to stir the water and mix it with the colour, let it sit for a few minutes before using it.
Depending on the consistency, slowly add a few more drops of water and stir it again until you achieve a light-cream like consistency.
Use a brush to add the ink to the nib.
Test it out on a separate piece of paper to make sure the ink runs smoothly, repeat step 3 and 4 if necessary.
If you feel that have added too much water, leave it open for a few hours to allow water evaporation.
More about Finetec here
Are Finetec Coliro Colours Waterproof?
They are water-based colours which means they are not waterproof. You can apply a waterproof spraying varnish for an exterior user to make it water-resistant.
What is Brush Pen Hand Lettering?
It is a handwriting technique using a Brush; it can be a brush pen, a conventional round painting brush, or a water brush. They all share one characteristic, which is that you can create different thicknesses in your lines by applying more or less pressure, a principle that also applies to calligraphy when you use a pointed nib. Each brush has different elasticity, i.e:
Pen Brushes usually come with a felt tip which makes it easier to control the lines.
Conventional paintbrushes can be made of natural hair which makes them more flexible and ideal for intermediate to advanced users, or made of synthetic fibers, that can also be very flexible depending on the size of the brush.
Water Brush, the tips are made of synthetic fibers that can also be very flexible depending on the size of the brush.
The tips of brush pens can also vary in size. The finer the tip the greater the detail can be produced.
Can I buy your calligraphy supplies in a physical location?
We are a Dublin-based Art Studio specialised in all things calligraphy, our supplies shop operates online only, but for customs services, consultation is available by email, over the phone or via zoom, please feel free to contact us, if you have any requirements.
What are your delivery times?
For Shipping, returns and turnaround, times related information please visit our Shipping & Returns section.