dip nib question

[anaximander]

I've been experimenting with Zebra G nibs lately rather than the Hunt 101s that I usually use.

I like the Zebras except that my ink (Higgins eternal) tends to bead up on the underside of the nib and then doesn't flow properly. I haven't observed this problem with the Hunt nibs.

I always clean my nibs with Windex, so I don't think it's a matter of residual oils.

Any ideas how to improve the ink flow?

[AndyT]

At the risk of sounding gross, try licking it. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sick007.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

Or, "moisten a paper towel with saliva and wipe down the nib top and underside and allow it to dry for a minute or two" (thank you, Dr Joe Vitolo). There's some science behind this apparently, all I know is that it works.

[cwent2]

+1 on AndyT's comment - Yep it works, why? no clue.

Would not use Windex to clean nib.

[Norm Matthews]

New nibs usually have a preservative coating to inhibit rust. This coating also causes the ink to bead up and not flow. It can be removed by passing it over a lighter flame for a few seconds or by washing it in detergent, then rinsing thoroughly. Licking it sometimes works too.

[cwent2]

http://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread.php/5299-Italic-Dip-Pen-Recommendation

[Norm Matthews]

I taught calligraphy in high school for 35 years. I prepped 15-20 pens every year. I always used a flame. I never had a problem with any Italic nib. If you hold it over a flame for more than a few seconds you might have a problem with flexible nibs though. You can over-do anything.

[anaximander]

@cwent2 - thanks for the link to the other thread. I read over this document (http://www.iampeth.com/lessons/getting_started/getting_started.pdf) by Dr. Vitolo and realized that I have probably been touching the nib too much as I messed around trying to get it to work better. I may have gotten rid of the initial coating and then just replaced it with oil from my fingers.

Thanks for helping my realize my (dumb) mistake. The nib works fine now.