How to polish a fountain pen.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มี.ค. 2014
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Polishing a pen depends on numerous different factors and therefore the methods and products that i use will differ. In this video i show just some of the techniques and products that i use. If you simply want to give your pen a polish then you can just use the polish in the video and skip all the other steps. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
I started as a collector in 1998, then got into repairs. I'm fortunate to have you teach me now. The very best!
Steven, i'm glad the videos have been helpful to you as that is why they were made. Good luck with your collection.
A most helpful video, informative and right to the point from a humble master repairer. You never see his face but just his pens, he does not promote his persona but just his expert skills. He deserves our continued support. Bravo!
Im glad the video was helpful to you. thanks for watching. These are mainly pen reviews so no need to see me, however i have appeared on many videos especially on the more humorous videos. Thank you for your support.
I agree, great to see an artist at work. Just one point though, I bought and used the pens in the 1950s and 60s. The only thing is though, they were never that shiny. Yes, they had no scratches, dings etc, as you would expect, bit they weren't, as far as I remember, that highly polished. But still, great to watch.
Totally outstanding work, I've never seen such perfect pen restoration as Stef does. This is why I will buy my vintage pens from Stef.
Thank you for the compliments Larry.
Steph, you are the best. Thank you for sharing your amazing knowledge and skill.
+Chris Staples No problem, glad you enjoy them.
Loved your video, and your attention to detail. Beautifully done. I am new to restoration but feel confident with the help of your videos.
Nano byte There are lots of videos to help you along, so good luck.
Excellent, sir! Thank you so much! I am a novice at this and needed someone to show me every step of the process.
You are very welcome Brett, im glad it was helpful to you. Thanks
Thank you so much for teaching us. A big hug here from Brazil.
Hi Jose...Thank you for watching im glad they are helpful. Thanks.
Great video well done by the very top instructor, Stef. You're the best!
Thank you for your compliments, and for watching.
Nothing like a beautiful sheen on a fountain pen body. I've been considering getting into this area of fountain pens. Very informative video. Many thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.
its so fantastic seeing your restoration like this.
Glad you enjoy them, i hope they are helpful to you.
Thanks for this video. I think I watched it 100 times before I tried to polish one on my own. Today I gave it a shot only had a little oxidation left where section meets barrel but overall I was happy
Even polishing a pen there are techniques that need to be learnt, so practice on a cheap pen. Well done with your pen.
This video is extremely, extremely helpful. Bravo!
I have recently gotten back into fountain pens and am also wanting to start dabbling in bringing pens back to life. Thanks to your recommendation I have a nice order of supplies coming over the pond to Nebraska, USA. Thanks for the video
Practice first on cheap pens so you do not break the good ones. Good luck.
@@penkino1 That is the plan indeed good sir. I have no plans on rushing. And picking up a lot from watching your techniques
Thanks for filming and posting this video - very helpful.
BlackStarBlues Im glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.
Fantastic Video. Thank you and Great Work. Lovely Pen. Keep up the great work. Nick.
Thank you. I hope it was helpful, thanks for watching.
Very useful and a guided review for fountain pen collectors. thanks
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.
Thank you, Stef. A very informative video as usual.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching.
What a fascinating video, thank you so much for making it.
Glad you enjoyed it Ericka, i hope it was helpful. Thanks for watching.
Absolutely wonderful video! Thank you so much.
I hope it was helpful, thanks for watching.
This is just the guide I needed-thank you!
Remember Roger it is a guide and some pens may need a slightly different application. Good luck,
Asked for a pen with sentimental value of my own to be serviced and repaired. Excellent results and it will keep going for many more years.
Who serviced the pen for you Stephen ? Glad that its being used. Thanks
Grandma Pens serviced my pen. Excellent job.
Thanks for that Stephen, im sorry but i do not remember all the names of the pens i service. Keep enjoying it.
Thank you VERY much! I am about to embark on my next step... RESTORATION!
This video shows me the steps of the process and, more importantly, recommended products FOR FOUNTAIN PENS to get the job done!
I was especially curious about products for final buffing and waxing -- NOW I KNOW!
Good luck with your restoration, start with less expensive pens before you try a more complex pen. Dont forget patience is your most important tool. Good luck
Great job! Looks terrific.
Thanks so much Rob! Stay safe
This is great. One thing I discovered are these tiny little brushes to clean in between teeth braces -- I got some once in a lifetime ago, but never used them... and they worked great for finely cleaning in between the threads and channel of my feed.
Yes they are very handy, i use the very thinnest ones to clean the air holes after polishing my pens. Thank you for your comments and for watching.
Brilliant tutorial, thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks.
An inspirational video. Thank you.
Ian Blaber Glad you like this one to, there are lots more to watch.
This video was a great help! Thanks!
+geoff martin Its there to help others so its nice to hear it was helpful to you.
Video bellissimo e utilissimo. Bravissimo 👍🏻🤗
Thanks for watching im glad it was helpfull.
Wow, great job!
Gee Nice Thanks for watching.
The master at his best Thank you
Master ? Mmmm i'm not quite a master. I try my best. Thanks
Another great pen video. Gives me courage to try this.
Give it a go and just take your time.
The difference in this pen is absolutely astonishing!
Yes the end results are good, however they do take a lot of careful work. Thanks for watching.
The restored pen looks like mint condition. Thank you. Very interesting.
+Anzan Hoshin Roshi Wow, you have been busy watching. Yes with lots of care and patience pens can be rejuvenated.
Yes, Grandmia Pens , I had a lot of pens to flush and things to do while watching.
+Anzan Hoshin Roshi There must have been a lot of pens to flush.
can't believe what a difference that made. fantastic video
Mick Fairless Yes its boring polishing pens and takes a while, but worth it in the end.
I am having trouble getting on your website. Is it under maintenance just now?
Mick Fairless No, it seems to be ok.
Have tried 3 different devices and 6 different browsers and cannot access your site at all. Is it possible you are looking at a cached version and maybe your hosting company is having difficulties? Sorry to keep on but I am keen to look!
Mick Fairless No, i appreciate it for letting me know. I have just asked a friend if he can access the site and he said yes. So im not sure what is happening.
Great video. Thanks.
Thanks for watching.
awesome...thanks for the run through!
+Jeff Keeler Glad you enjoyed it.
+Jeff Keeler www.ebay.com/itm/Pen-Sat-Trakt-Original-/252211448467?hash=item3ab8f94a93:g:X9EAAOSwnH1WbX4T
thank you for this video，really helpful
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching.
Your videos are amazing! I’m a new subscriber and new to the FP world. Thank you so much for the great content! I am going to email you about identification of a pen!
Thanks for watching and subscribing.
Thanks for this. It has inspired me to restore a Parker Duofold Junior that I inherited. Using your other Videos it sits in front of me stripped ready for polishing. My only problem is findind a Parker 14k No 10 nib for it, as it looks like someone played darts with it! Thanks for the inspiration.
+Terry Baker Im glad it has inspired you to restore your pen. An online search will get you a Parker nib. Good luck with your pen.
Just an update. Got the parts and completed the restoration and ended up with a beautiful pen plus the two non working pens I bought for the parts have been combined to make another Parker Junior almost as good as my original. Thanks for the videos, long may you continue.
Very helpful! Thanks!
+Geza Szemok Im glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.
www.ebay.com/itm/Pen-Sat-Trakt-Original-/252211448467?hash=item3ab8f94a93:g:X9EAAOSwnH1WbX4T
I hope to try this method out.
Go carefully with patience. Good luck.
Well done!
Thank you.
Very good!
William Nascimento Thanks.
Nice video. I am wondering, what do you polish the gold trim with? Will Simichrome remove the gold plating of the clips, lever and bands?
Depending on the pen as some pens have a thick gold plate so a tiny application of Simichrome should be fine. However some pens the plate will be removed with Simichrome. If in doubt polish with a jewelers cloth. Good luck.
Thanks for these videos, they are really helpful for a newbie like me. I have a Conway Stewart 388 and I've noticed in other videos that you've restored at least a couple of those. Will this same technique work on this pen? I've seen conflicting information about whether the Cs 388 is made of celluloid or casein and don't want to risk damaging it with incorrect use of a water based polish. Thanks!
Casein should not be soaked in water, polishing it is not a problem. There are lots of "How to"videos that will help. Good luck with your pen.
Very helpful video as usual! One question - can I use mink oil (used on leather products) in place of Renaissance wax? Just on the barrel and cap. Thanks.
Glad it was helpfull. I have never come across mink oil therfore i can not advice you. Sorry. Thanks and stay safe.
One other thing. What is the final polish you used after the micro mesh and before the wax? Im trying to figure out a nice finishing paste.
You can use Simichrome, good luck.
What is that compound you used at first in the little jar. Did you make your own or is there one you recommend. You used it before the simichrome polish. Thank for the great video.
Hi Bonnie, it is my home made compound. The Simichrome alone will work fine. Good luck.
Do you apply a small amount of grease on the nib and feed section ID?
No no Stephen. No grease anywere near feeds and nibs or you may have problems. Good luck
@Grandmia Pens is there something comparable to your special white paste I can pick up somewhere?
There are numerous polish's that are used to polish a pen available. Cheers
Great video! What thickness brass shim do you recommend?
Sorry i do not recall the measurements. They can be bought at modeling supplies, use the thinnest. Thanks.
Hi Stef, I wanted to ask, if you had any advice on how to get the inside of an ink window completely clean and clear again. I've tried scrubing with toothpaste and dish soap, but there's still some ink or dirt residue and the ink window plastic seems a bit milky. Unfortunately I don't have a ultrasonic cleaner. Thank you!
Difficult to comment Christian without having the pen in hand. Some will not clean up clear due to the material and through ageing. Good luck with it.
Hi, I have an Esterbrook but section is scratched. How do you suggest to fix?
+Armando Amores Difficult to say without seeing it up close. I have removed some deep scratches with dry heat (not recommended unless you have experience). If they are quite light then Micromesh will remove them. Either way up-most care has to be taken or you could damage your pen further.
Lovely video. Thank you for sharing. Can you use this process on metal pens without any paint on them? Will it damage the chrome?
Every pen has to be assesed for the material as a different method maybe needed. So rather difficult to comment but good luck.
So without any micromesh, would you just use semichrome and then renaissance wax? Will semichrome help remove microscratching?
Each pen has to be looked at the condition as not all pens are the same. Some will require more work than others. Simichrome will help to remove lite scratches and will polish the pen. The wax will give a level of protection after all the work has been done. Good luck.
Spot on thank you.
Thanks for watching.
Many thanks!
Thanks for watching.
I own a vintage Conway Stewart with “cracked ice” design. The barrel of the pen is in great condition, but the cap is much duller. Is there a way to restore the cap so that it matches how clean and vibrant the barrel is?
It is difficult to advice without seeing the pen and determining what has caused the dullness. You may be able to polish the cap but you will need to remove the clip and mask the cap bands Good luck.
Stef you have been highly recommended and may be able to help me out. Do you have a filling lever for a 1937 Parkette de Luxe?
Hi, i will need to take a look. Pop me an email.
What should I do to polish a slightly tarnished sterling silver pen? Specifically mine is a Sheaffer Imperial, but that shouldn't make much difference. I have no idea how to polish silver without messing up the finish.
Get yourself a silver jewelers polishing cloth, that will be more than enough for your pen.
I use Polywatch polish on Acylic watch crystals which are often fitted to vintage watches. Would that be OK for plastic fountain pens?
Im not familiar with Polywatch Neil so i do not know. Simichrome works fine. Good luck
Is there any substitute for the micro mesh? I can't really get my hands on micro mesh, only by ordering from US, which will cost more than 30 bucks. I have some 10000 and 12000 grit sandpaper, but I think is not the same, right?
Im sure there is, but it is the only method i use. You can buy Micro mesh on line or on Ebay, it is easily available here in the UK. Good luck.
Many thanks for uploading this video, it teaches me a lot since I'm getting into vintage pens recently. I would like to ask for your opinions about polishing celluloid pens. Is the same method also usable on celluloid pens?
+Nick Wong I have used these methods on most pens, just go carefully and mask areas were needed. Good luck
Grandmia Pens Thanks for reply !
You suggest covering the barrel imprint prior to polishing. This means that the imprint and surrounding areas will be less shiny. How do you deal with that?
+Denny Langston www.ebay.com/itm/Pen-Sat-Trakt-Original-/252211448467?hash=item3ab8f94a93:g:X9EAAOSwnH1WbX4T
I have a vintage pilot E95 with a scratch down the plastic barrel (it looks like someone tried to engrave something on it), can i actually polish it off? it doesnt look too deep
Hi Kristy, im sorry i am not to familiar with the vintage Pilot E95 fountain pen and the material it is made from. If it is a metal pen with lacquer then i would say no, however if it is a plastic material then you should be able to with some care. Good luck.
Steph when one is offered a vintage pen that has has a persons name or initials engraved on them. does this affect the value of the pens
Some people dont mind engravings, however personally i try to avoid them were i can. So its personal prefrence.
I have a chrome cover, do I use the same process to shine it too?
A metal polish can be used on chrome. Good luck.
Very nice video
Thanks for watching.
Hi stef, I love your finish on your pens but I'm concerned as I've been reading lately on forums that renasance wax isn't good on pens as it traps in fumes that some pens naturaly give out, have you had any problems with it? Thanks.
I use several product on my pens all depends on the pen. That is why i do not post on the forum any more. To many "professionals" telling you how wrong you are, and how bad this and that is. So i do it my own way. What ever your comfortable with then go with it. Thanks
That sound like a load of bullshit to me. I don't see how an 80 year old pen would offgas enough to cause an issue. We are talking very very low volatility, almost negligible. Just use whatever wax you've got and ignore the armchair quarterbacks on the forums. The forums can be useful but there is also a lot of nonsense spouted on the forums as well
@@Lawtonfl yes your both completly right I've relized the forums contain a bunch of keyboard warriors so to speak. I too can't understand how a pen can give off gasses bad enough to destroy itself becuase of a little bit of wax. Plus you are only coating the outside so the inside can breath still? On forums it seems every product is bad to the experts lol.
If you just want to lightly polish a resin or acrylic pen, would just using a jeweler's cloth be enough?
It all depends on the extent of the finish you are trying to achieve. If your just looking for a shine then a jewelers cloth will be fine.
hi, what is the first white paste-polish you used here?
It is my own mix of a T cutting like compound. Thank you for your comment.
What a helpful video. Thank you very much. Is your wax your own formula? Is there something on the market like it?
Glad it was helpful. You wont go far wrong with Renaissance Wax. Good luck.
Just ordered the Renaissance Wax; it should be here in a few days.
Well done, soon be time for polishing.
I'd be interested in your thoughts on whether it is better to use the micromesh slightly moistened rather than dry.
All depends on the pen material, in general i use it dry. Good luck.
@@penkino1 Many thanks.
What kind of wax, you use to finish the polish?
I use many different products depending on the pen. Renaissance Wax will leave a nice shine and some protection.
hi! may i know what brand is that cream for polishing @ 11:50?
Hi Chong, it is my home made polishing cream so no brand. Thanks and stay safe.
What products do you use?
And what is better between iosso and simichrome?
I use numerous products depending on the pen to be polished. Simichrome is fine. Good luck.
why did you use first the 2400 and then 1800 (eventually using 12000) at the end?
Hi Omar, different grades from the roughest down to the finest.
is micro mesh the same as wet/dry sandpaper?
I guess so but i only use micro mesh, so i can only recommend micro mesh. Good luck
What do you use as the polish? Rennassaince wax?
I use numerous different polishes. It all depends on the pen and material it is made off. Thanks for watching.
A lot of good information here. I find myself having to polish my celluloid guitar picks ,I prefer the feel of a perfectly polished pick against the strings and since the picks I prefer are 15$ a piece I'll use them as long as I can. Thanks
Hi Brian, that is interesting. Im glad it was useful to you. Keep on plucking.
Can you devulge the name of the polish you are using and where to get it please (small jar with white jar)? 11:49 on time line
There is no name as it is a ny own mix of different products. Thanks
So interesting...great to see.
Time for a new hobby I think 🤔
Go for it! Good luck.
Cool video. Does these procedures apply for an ebonite fountain pen as well?
+Duke Jing Sheng I have had the same results with ebonite
+Grandmia Pens thanks a lot!
+Duke Jing Sheng www.ebay.com/itm/Pen-Sat-Trakt-Original-/252211448467?hash=item3ab8f94a93:g:X9EAAOSwnH1WbX4T
What compound do you use?
It is my own mix, but there are polishes readily available on line. Good luck
Sorry about the really late comment, but would the wax on a pen last under regular use? And if so, for how long?
I was a little skeptical of a 30 minute video on polishing pens, but it turned out to be one of the most informative videos I have seen!
makey95 No problem, thanks for watching it. Waxing a pen is optional and personal preference. The likes of Renaissance wax drys to a hard film and will last for quite a while under normal use. However a simple brisk wipe with a cloth after a period will be more than adequate.
Grandmia Pens Thank you! I think I'll buy a little Renaissance Wax and try it on some of the pens I use most often. I appreciate the information a lot.
makey95 Unfortunately the wax on comes in 200ml tin which will last you for years. Good luck with your pens.
What's the "little potion"' that you're using? Where is it available on?
It is a home made "potion" i use, however there are lots of other alternatives such as Peek or Simichrome. Both of these will polish a pen. Good luck.
His particular potion is actually ordinary toothpaste, if you like.
You carry on using your toothpaste on your pens, at least they will smell minty.
Mint may not have the sweet smell of micro mesh and Renaissance wax, but toothpaste polishes quite well, and then what homemade substance could be that snowy white?
I take pride in my restoration work and try and find the best products for my pens, and toothpaste is not one of them.
Hi Steph, have you any tips regarding oxidisation on cap studs etc, ?
Rather difficult to remove however it can be polished out in some cases. Good luck.
Can you help me with a scratch on Parker sonnet fountain pen with scratch in lacquer?
Hi Ken, it would need filling with enamel paint then laquered on top. Maybe less expensive to consider a new pen. Good luck.
Do you have a place where I can see all the pens you sell?
You can email me Rob. Thanks
What would you recommend for filling in the barrel imprints, and at what point would you apply it.
I would not recommend filling in the barrel imprint as it is part of the pen.
Grandmia Pens What I mean is I just polished up a Parker Vacumatic, and I have a lovely crisp imprint left on, is there any compound I could rub in, maybe white or something to make it more noticeable. I've seen you do that to other pens before, and it just looks beautiful.
Oh i see. Take a look at " How to highlight a imprint " video.
Grandmia Pens Thanks sir! Didn't realize you had that video. I appreciate these videos, being a younger pen enthusiast I don't have many people around for vintage restoration tips.
Hi Austin..I have lots of videos to watch so why not crawl through them some time. They are there to help anyone who is interested in pens particularly you young,uns.
Hello,
I was just wondering, can you do this for vintage red ripple ebonite? To restore it back from the faded red to a more vibrant red?
Thanks!
Yes, the red ripple pens polish up well. Just take your time. Good luck.
Andres Arias, there are stuff called pensburry pen potion 10 and i think it is meant for red ebonite
Yes i am aware of it, however if you are careful you can still polish these pens successfully.
Grandmia Pens just asking. Can pens with lacquer or coatings be polished like this?
Lacquered pens can be polished but you have to be careful and use a polish that is not abrasive.
Thank you very much for this excellent tutorial ! Do you ever use a small rotary brush on a Dremel tool for badly "chewed end caps, or do you find that rounds off the corners too much ? Do you fill the imprint with white wax to make it stand out more ?
+Englishman French No, i never use any kind of machinery on my pens. All my pens are worked meticulously by hand. Occasionally i will highlight the barell imprint. Take a look at the " How to highlight the barell imprint" video.
Hi Stef. What is the polishing compound you use?
It is my own mix of a number of products. Thanks and stay safe.
@@penkino1 No problem, and thanks for responding.
@@penkino1 so what can you recommend us other than your secret sauce? Simichrome diluted with hand cream? :) anything else?
Can you polish a resin/plastic ?
Sure, as always just be carefull. Good luck
Hi Steph, Here's one !!! Can a sun discoloured barrel/cap be polished back to original ? Regards Jed..
Hi Jed, unfortunately i would say no at least not completely to the original colour. Thanks
@@penkino1 Many thanks Stephen I appreciate your taking the time to reply. .
I got myself a used Montblanc ballpoint pen 164 with a previous owner's name engraved. (I could not afford a brand new Montblanc, yet wanted to get a decent pen :D.... ). Is there a way to remove this engraving as to sanding off / re-polishing the pen? The engraving is not so deep. I've seen some people successfully sanded off, micro-meshed then repolished, but I wonder if there's better way to do such work. Your help would be appreciated sir - !
It is difficult to comment without seeing the pen and how deep the engraving is. The problem with sanding out the engraving is you could create a flat spot. Another option would be to fill it. Either way it maybe better to send it to a professional. Good luck.
@@penkino1 Thank you very much for your kind reply. While the outcome will be better on professional touch, I also kinda want to gain hands-on experience myself. Just like you sir, it is worthwhile to try. I will try the superglue to fill in and try sand/micromesh it. Maybe take a video for myself and upload for you to take a look in the future :) I'll follow your video on "How to Repair a Crack and Hole", considering these engravings as holes.
I think i Montblanc pen is not the right pen to practice on, find a cheap pen first to try and practice. There is still a technique that is needed when filling holes with super glue, it has to be made worst before the filling Either way good luck with your pen.
how did you remove the lever? is that another video?
Here the gold trim was masked. But i have many other "How to" videos. Thanks
Ok. And *WHAT* is that polishing cream?
It is my own mix of different products. Thanks
Is the poish you use something you make yourself? As you called it a magic potion.
Yes it is John, its a mixture of products ive used for years. Thanks and stay safe.
I have a cartier art decor rollerball pen the body is made up of resin but the parts are made up of palladium kindly tell me how to polish thanku
Very carefully or send it to a reputable pen restorer.
Sometimes the manufacturer will polish the pen for you for free, for example Cross will do that. I recently had a 30 year-old Cross polished and it looks brand new.