All About Trading - ArtTrader Magazine

Art TRADER
m a g a z i n e
Technical & Mechanical Pens
Technical pens were the standard in graphic design work before
the advent of computer-aided design. They are still popular today
with artists, drafters, and illustrators. Technical pens are re-usable
pens that come with ink refilling options and a variety of line sizes.
The main benefit of a technical pen is that they provide you with
the most consistent and fine lines out of any of the pens we review
in this article. Most brands do not get clogged up by mixed media
like acrylics and they go over bumpy surfaces well without wearing
down the point of the pen (since it’s a solid metal point). The main
drawback of these pens is that they require refilling and cleaning
by hand, which can be messy. They are also fragile—dropping
the point of the pen on the ground will damage it.
There are several types of technical pens, including refillable/
self-filling/plunger pens and pens with cartridges. Although the
cartridges are less messy, they are often not waterproof. The
self-filling kinds come with waterproof, archival quality black ink,
but can be time consuming and messy to fill.
Our favorite of the technical pens are Koh-i-Noor Rapido Sketch
pens because they provide the most consistent line, are the most
reliable, sturdier, and easier to take apart and clean than some
other varieties. The older Rapidograph pens are also quite nice,
but the Rapido Sketch pen provides more flexibility and allows
you to hold the pen at more angles. You can find them at online
art retail stores and occasionally in office supply stores. Other
technical pen brands include Rotring, Staedtler, and Pelikan.
Who should use these pens? We recommend these pens for
individuals who do frequent and extensive pen work—they will be
the most economical to you in the long run. These pens are not
for occasional use—they can clog up and dry out without common
use. If you get a set of these pens, you should plan on using
them at least once a week. Additionally, if you do a lot of pen work
over mixed media or acrylic backgrounds, these pens have the
best flow and do not get clogged like other pens presented here.
Most of these pens only accept specially made black ink, although
some use other types.
Finally, individuals who are environmentally conscious of their
own waste will be pleased with these reusable pens, due to their
refillable and waste-reducing nature.
How much do they cost? Although these pens represent a
substantial investment up front (approx $10-25 per pen), in the long
term and with frequent use, they represent the most economical
of the choices.
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How to Clean Your
Technical or Dip Pen
Simple clean up methods for dip
pens with nibs or technical pens include:
Soap and water: soak your pen parts
for a few hours and then dry on a paper
towel. Blot them on the paper
towel to get all of the water out of the
point before you refill it.
An old toothbrush and some soap
can help remove caked-on ink.
Windex: pour a bit of window cleaner
in a container and let the pens soak
in. Do not dilute the Windex.
Do not ever use bleach with your
pens because it can destroy or corrode
the pen.