Inks & Refills

Montegrappa fountain pens may feature different filling systems depending on the model:

• Piston.

• Cartridge/converter.

• Power Push.

• Free Drop Reservoir.

Each system has its own filling procedure, as explained in the FAQ How do I fill a fountain pen correctly?

All Montegrappa fountain pens featuring a cartridge/converter filling system come with a converter included. Cartridges can be purchased separately according to your preferences.

In the Inks & Refills section of our website, on the Refills page, you can select your pen type and the corresponding collection. It is important to specify both, as this selection allows you to identify the refill or cartridge compatible with your pen with certainty.

If your collection is not listed, you can complete the dedicated form, specifying the pen type and collection name and attaching clear, detailed photographs of your pen. It is important to include photographs of the refills or cartridges currently fitted in your pen, so that our After-Sales team can fully understand your request and verify compatibility.

Compatible refills are also listed on each product page under Features.

In the Inks & Refills section of the website, on the Refills page, you can select the pen type and the corresponding collection. It is important to provide both details, as this selection allows you to identify the refill or ink cartridge that is compatible with your product.

If the collection is not listed, you can fill in the dedicated form, specifying the pen type and collection name and attaching clear, detailed photographs of the product. It is important to include photographs of the refills or ink cartridges currently fitted in the pen, so that our After Sales team can better understand your request and verify compatibility.

The piston filling system incorporates an ink reservoir directly into the barrel of the pen, allowing it to be filled by turning the end knob to draw ink from the ink bottle. There is no need to disassemble the pen to fill a piston-filling fountain pen.

The cartridge/converter filling system, on the other hand, allows you to use either an ink cartridge or a converter, a removable, refillable ink reservoir that draws ink through a twist mechanism. In pens equipped with this filling system, the two options are interchangeable according to personal preference.

A ballpoint refill contains thick, oil-based ink that dries quickly and produces a precise, consistent line with light pressure on the paper.

A rollerball refill, on the other hand, uses a more fluid ink that glides more smoothly and requires minimal pressure, producing a fuller line closer to that of a fountain pen.

The two types of refill differ in shape and size and must be selected according to the pen type and model. In the Inks & Refills section, on the Refills page, you can identify the correct refill by entering both the pen type and the collection name in the designated fields.

Fountain pens with a piston filling system:

I. Turn the end knob counterclockwise until it stops.

II. Fully immerse the nib in the ink bottle.

III. Turn the end knob clockwise until it stops to draw ink into the reservoir.

IV. Remove the nib from the ink.

V. Turn the end knob half a turn counterclockwise, allowing a few drops of ink to flow out to expel any air. We recommend repeating steps II to V to ensure that all air has been expelled.

VI. Clean the nib with a damp, lint-free cloth.

Piston-filling fountain pens have an ink reservoir built into the barrel, so there is no need to disassemble the pen for filling.

Fountain pens with a cartridge/converter filling system:

Converter:

I. Unscrew the grip section from the barrel.

II. Turn the end of the converter counterclockwise until it stops.

III. Fully immerse the nib in the ink bottle.

IV. To draw ink into the pen, turn the end of the converter clockwise until the reservoir is completely filled.

V. Remove the nib from the ink.

VI. Turn the end of the converter half a turn counterclockwise, allowing a few drops of ink to flow out to expel any air. We recommend repeating steps IV to VII to ensure that all air has been expelled.

VII. Clean the nib with a damp, lint-free cloth.

VIII. Screw the grip section back onto the barrel.

Cartridge:

I. Unscrew the grip section from the barrel.

II. Remove the empty cartridge or converter.

III. Insert a new cartridge, applying gentle pressure to pierce the protective seal.

IV. Once the protective seal has been pierced, remove the cartridge and apply gentle pressure to eliminate any air bubbles.

V. Reinsert the cartridge and allow the ink to reach the nib (approximately one minute).

VI. Clean the nib with a damp, lint-free cloth.

VII. Screw the grip section back onto the barrel.

Fountain pens with a Power-Push filling system:

I. Unscrew the grip section from the barrel.

II. Fully immerse the nib in the ink bottle.

III. Press the Power-Push mechanism button all the way down.

IV. Release the button while keeping the nib immersed, allowing ink to be drawn into the reservoir.

V. Remove the nib from the ink.

VI. Apply gentle pressure to the button, allowing a few drops of ink to flow out to expel any air.

VII. Clean the nib with a damp, lint-free cloth.

VIII. Screw the grip section back onto the barrel.

Fountain pens with a Free Drop Reservoir filling system:

I. Unscrew the grip section from the barrel.

II. Open the small window that allows you to check the ink level in the reservoir.

III. Use the eyedropper to draw ink from the ink bottle.

IV. Using the eyedropper, transfer the ink directly into the reservoir, taking care not to fill it to the brim.

V. Screw the grip section back onto the barrel.

To replace the refill in a rollerball pen:

I. Remove the cap from the pen.

II. Unscrew the grip section from the barrel by turning it counterclockwise.

III. Remove the empty refill and insert a new one.

IV. Screw the grip section back onto the barrel.

To replace the refill in a ballpoint pen:

I. Remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise.

II. Remove the empty refill and insert a new one.

III. Screw the cap back onto the barrel by turning it clockwise.

Montegrappa refills are available in different tip sizes.

For rollerball pens:

• F – Fine tip (0.5 mm).

• M – Medium tip (0.7 mm).

• B – Broad tip (1.0 mm).

For ballpoint pens:

• M – Medium tip (1 mm).

• B – Broad tip (1.2 mm).

The fine tip produces a thin, precise line, ideal for smaller handwriting; the medium tip is the most versatile for everyday use, while the broad tip offers a bolder, fuller line.

For fountain pens with a piston filling system, after filling the pen, turn the end knob half a turn counterclockwise, allowing a few drops of ink to flow out to expel any air.

For fountain pens with a cartridge/converter filling system, after filling the pen, follow the same procedure by turning the end of the converter half a turn counterclockwise. Alternatively, remove the cartridge from the pen, apply gentle pressure to eliminate any air bubbles, then reinsert it.

The lifespan of a refill depends on how frequently it is used, the pressure applied when writing, the tip size and the type of ink. Generally, ballpoint refills, which contain thicker ink, last longer than rollerball refills, whose more fluid ink is consumed more quickly. To extend the life of your refill, always close the pen after use and write without applying excessive pressure. When the line becomes faint or inconsistent, it is time to replace the refill.

We recommend using Montegrappa inks with our fountain pens, as they are specifically developed for our writing instruments.

While many third-party inks are available on the market, we cannot test every individual formulation and therefore cannot guarantee their compatibility with our pens.

In particular, permanent or water-resistant inks may contain more aggressive components that could damage certain parts of the pen, such as the ebonite feed.

Although regular cleaning and flushing with water are good maintenance practices, they do not guarantee ink compatibility or prevent potential damage caused by unsuitable ink formulations.

For these reasons, we recommend using Montegrappa inks.