One thing that no one told me when I set out to learn calligraphy? New calligraphy nibs don’t necessarily arrive ready to use. Nib manufacturers coat them with oils to keep them nice and fresh in storage! That’s great because it means that you receive nibs that are in mint condition. The downside? Oil and water don’t mix — and ink is mostly made of water! You’ll more than likely have trouble writing if you don’t get the oils off the nib before you start.
How to Clean New Calligraphy Nibs
Over the years, I’ve tried several different ways to clean new calligraphy nibs. Toothpaste, acetone, matches … you name it! The most effective and efficient method I’ve tried, though, is sticking my nibs into a potato.
I don’t know why the potato method works. I would venture to guess that the starches break down the oils! What I do know is if you stick your new calligraphy nib into a potato, wait fifteen minutes, then take it out again, the nib is good to go!
Video
I know that this nib prep concept is simple, but it doesn’t hurt to explain it in a video. I made this short tutorial to explain *exactly* what to do!
Tips
There are some things to keep in mind when using a potato to clean your new calligraphy nibs. First of all, don’t leave your nibs in the potato for any longer than 15 minutes, otherwise they might rust.
My second tip is to clean off your nib with water and a non-fibrous cloth after it’s been in the potato. Otherwise, potato residue will gunk up the nib a bit! Finally, my third tip: gently ease the nib into the potato. Excessive force may cause damage to the nib!
I hope that this tiny tutorial helps your calligraphy in a big way! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Guesses as to why this potato method works so well are also welcome! 🙂
Warmly,
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What would you recommend to clean the nibs if we don’t have a potato? I read rubbing alcohol in another comment, but I’d like to know what you thought 🙂
Lindsey,
After you’re done with the potato, is it safe to eat the potato? Or do you suggest not eating it?
Thank you Lindsey for your simple method of preparing steel nibs l will try it myself. Could you please inform me of where get steel nibs with the resovoir on top of the nib for left-hand as l am having difficulty to find a source.Also calligraphy fountain pens for left-hand.l have been doing pen lettering for a number of years and need replacement.
I’m afraid to do that with my good nibs, esp that have the coils for holding more ink. I just use a q tip and a bit of rubbing alcohol. I’ve been too many nibs with Mr. Potato. 🙁
I wouldn’t use this technique with the coiled nibs! The potato would definitely mess up the coil. 🙂
Okay, wow, 15 MINUTES?! I just poked the nib in a couple of times! It worked, too.
I learned the potato trick from you, but I guess I missed that part.
Oh really? I’ve never tried just putting the nibs in and out! And it worked, huh?! That’s really cool — and efficient!