Pentel brush pens are popular tools for artists and crafters who enjoy the versatility of a brush-tipped pen. Unlike traditional brushes, brush pens allow you to draw and write with the convenience of a pen. Pentel offers brush pens in a variety of sizes and colors to suit different creative needs.
One question artists often ask about Pentel brush pens is whether they can be refilled when the ink runs out. The short answer is yes, Pentel brush pens can be refilled using either Pentel refill ink or other brands of acrylic ink. However, there are some important factors to consider when refilling brush pens to ensure optimal performance.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed overview of refilling Pentel brush pens. We’ll cover:
- Can you refill Pentel brush pens?
- What types of Pentel brush pens can be refilled?
- How to properly refill a Pentel brush pen
- Best ink to use for refilling
- Troubleshooting tips
- Frequently asked questions
Equipped with this information, you’ll be prepared to successfully refill your Pentel brush pens and extend their life.
Can You Refill Pentel Brush Pens?
The majority of Pentel brush pens are refillable. This includes popular models like the Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush and the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen. Even the Pentel Brush Pen, one of Pentel’s most affordable options, can be refilled.
However, some Pentel brush pens are not designed to be refilled. This includes the disposable Pentel Arts Color Brush pen. The body and internal parts are not made to be taken apart for refilling.
For refillable brush pens, the key things to look for are:
- Removable end cap
- Internal parts that can be disassembled
- Refillable ink reservoir or cartridge
As long as the pen contains these features, you can refill it when the original ink supply runs out.
What Types of Pentel Brush Pens Can Be Refilled?
Here is an overview of some of the most popular Pentel brush pens and whether they are refillable:
| Pentel Brush Pen | Refillable? |
|---|---|
| Pentel Pocket Brush Pen | Yes |
| Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush | Yes |
| Pentel Arts Color Brush | No |
| Pentel Brush Pen | Yes |
| Pentel Arts Sign Pen | Yes |
| Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica Brush Pen | Yes |
As you can see, the majority of Pentel’s refillable brush pens run out of ink after some use. But with some basic maintenance, you can extend their lifespan by refilling them.
How to Properly Refill a Pentel Brush Pen
Refilling a Pentel brush pen is a straightforward process, but there are some key steps to follow:
- Remove the end cap – The end cap unscrews to reveal the inner workings.
- Withdraw the ink reservoir – Gently pull out the plastic ink reservoir using tweezers or small pliers.
- Clean reservoir if reusable – Rinse out plastic reservoir with water if planning to reuse.
- Refill reservoir or replace cartridge – Use a blunt syringe or dropper to fill reservoir with ink. Or insert a new pre-filled ink cartridge.
- Replace internal components – Return ink reservoir back into pen barrel, being careful not to damage any small parts.
- Screw end cap back on – Securely reattach end cap to seal internal pen components.
- Test pen – Scribble on scrap paper to test ink flow before using.
Be very gentle when handling small internal pen parts. Work over a towel or tray to catch any ink drips or spills.
Best Ink to Use for Refilling
For best results, use ink specifically designed for brush pens when refilling:
- Pentel brush pen refill ink – Pentel makes refill bottles designed for their brush pens. Look for Pentel Arts, Pentel Fude 1 or Pentel Fude 2 refill ink.
- Acrylic ink – Heavy-body acrylic ink works well. Look for artist acrylic ink from brands like Daler Rowney, Liquitex or Winsor & Newton.
- India ink – This thicker ink is also suitable for brush pens.
Avoid using standard fountain pen ink, calligraphy ink or watercolors – they are too thin and watery for brush pens. Stick to thicker inks formulated for acrylic paint or calligraphy dip pens to prevent leaks.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some quick troubleshooting tips for refilling Pentel brush pens:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Ink flow is uneven or blotchy | Gently roll pen between fingers to distribute ink. Wipe excess ink from tip. Refill using thicker ink if necessary. |
| Ink is leaking from pen | Check for cracks in reservoir. Make sure cap is securely closed. Store pen horizontally, not vertically. |
| Pen tip keeps going dry | Don’t press down too firmly when drawing. Store pen tip-down. Switch to thicker ink. |
| Pen tip loses its point | Gently reshape tip with smooth fine grit sandpaper. |
Avoid forcing pen components when disassembling or refilling. This can damage the brush tip. Take your time and follow the proper refilling steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about refilling Pentel brush pens:
How often do you need to refill a Pentel brush pen?
It depends on the model, but expect to refill an average Pentel brush pen after using around 1-2 fill cartridges or reservoirs of ink. Heavy use by artists and illustrators may require more frequent refilling.
Can you reuse Pentel brush pen ink cartridges when refilling?
In most cases, yes. Pentel cartridges are designed to be reused. Just thoroughly rinse out the cartridge with water and allow to fully dry before refilling with new ink.
How do you clean dried acrylic ink out of a Pentel brush pen?
Remove as much dried ink as possible with tweezers. Then flush the reservoir out with warm soapy water using a blunt syringe. Allow to fully dry before refilling with fresh ink.
Can you use India ink to refill Pentel brush pens?
Yes, India ink works well for refilling brush pens due to its thickness. Make sure to use an opaque India ink, not the lighter colored transparent varieties.
Will refilling a Pentel brush pen void the warranty?
Possibly. Refilling is considered a repair, which can technically void warranties on some models. But many artists refill anyway once the original ink runs out.
Refill Your Pentel Brush Pens and Save
While Pentel brush pens must eventually be replaced when parts wear out, you can prolong their lifespan by refilling for quite some time. This allows you to save money rather than continually buying new pens.
Just be sure to use ink designed specifically for brush pens. Follow the proper refilling techniques. And avoid forcing any components to prevent damaging these precision tools. With some basic maintenance, a quality Pentel brush pen will last for many artwork creations and writing projects.
