Quick answer

Clean your Acrylograph pens by gently wiping the nib with a damp cloth after each use. For dried ink, soak the tip in warm water for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Never pull on the nib or use solvents — that can ruin the pen.

Why regular cleaning matters for paint pens

Acrylograph pens use water-based acrylic paint that dries quickly. If left on the nib, the dried paint acts like glue, blocking ink flow and making the pen feel scratchy. A quick clean after every session prevents this buildup and keeps the nib flexible. The payoff is consistent color saturation and a pen that lasts through many projects.

What you need for the job

A soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber works well), a small cup of warm tap water, and a paper towel for drying. That's it. Avoid paper towels with rough fibers — they can snag the nib. Do not use alcohol, acetone, or any solvent; these chemicals can dissolve the glue that holds the nib in place and damage the pen barrel.

Step-by-step cleaning guide

  1. Step 1: Wipe after each use: Immediately after you finish writing, close the cap and gently wipe the nib on a damp cloth. This removes wet paint before it dries. A common mistake is to leave the cap off while you admire your work — that lets air dry the paint on the tip. Checkpoint: If the nib feels tacky, you waited too long. Move to Step 2.
  2. Step 2: Soak for stubborn dried paint: Fill a small cup with warm tap water (not hot). Dip only the nib — not the barrel — into the water for 2-3 minutes. The warm water softens the dried acrylic without damaging the pen. A common mistake is soaking too long or submerging the metal ferrule, which can loosen the nib. Checkpoint: After soaking, wipe the nib again. If paint still clings, repeat once more.
  3. Step 3: Dry and recap: Gently blot the nib on a dry paper towel until no moisture transfers. Then recap the pen and store it horizontally or nib-down in a cup. A common mistake is storing the pen nib-up — air can travel up and dry the ink inside the barrel. Verdict: A dry, recapped pen is ready for your next bullet journal session without skipping or scratching.

Products that work well with clean pens

  • Indigo Hues Sets of 5: The Indigo Hues Sets of 5 includes a thoughtful blend of most-loved shades and new colors created to complete each palette. A fresh set of pens gives you a consistent writing experience right out of the box, but keeping them clean ensures every shade in the set performs as intended.