Executive Summary: If your new DNA Lucent is skipping or feels dry, it’s simply a matter of physics. Because this is an eyedropper pen, the feed needs time to fully saturate with ink, which is a process called "priming." You can achieve a perfect flow instantly by dip-priming the nib or letting the pen rest nib-down for a few hours.

Understanding the "Prime"

Unlike a converter or piston pen, where you manually force ink through the feed during the filling process, an eyedropper pen relies on a natural saturation process. When first filled, the intricate channels of the feed are dry. Until they are fully saturated (or "primed"), you might experience:

• Initial skipping.
• Inconsistent flow after lifting the nib.
• A feeling that the pen is writing "dry."

 

Every single Hex Pen is hand-tested in our studio before shipping to ensure the nib alignment and flow are perfect. It simply needs a little time to settle into its new home.

Two Simple Ways to Prime Your Feed

1. The Quick Start: Dip-Priming
This is the fastest way to get moving. Briefly dip just the nib and the very tip of the feed into your ink bottle. Wipe away the excess with a lint-free cloth. This "pulls" the ink from the barrel into the feed, creating a continuous bridge of ink.

2. The Patient Approach: The Gravity Rest
If you aren’t in a rush, let physics do the work. Store your pen nib-down in a pen cup or stand for several hours (up to half a day). Gravity will naturally pull the ink into the feed's fins, ensuring it is fully saturated and ready for a long writing session.