Signo Gel Pens

I have a love/hate relationship with Gel Pens.

I think the reason is, I don't use them often enough to keep the ink flowing and so they clog up and then I end up throwing them away.

This morning, I decided to look online to see if there was a solution for clogged up Gel Pens.

I like using my uni-ball Signo Gel Pen (available here). I have found that the uni-ball Signo Gel Pen, available through Stampin' Up!, gives me the brightest white color. 

I love using it to add highlights to different images (like snow on trees) and also to write on the inside of a card made with dark card stock. 

But, it is so frustrating when I pick one up to use it and it doesn't work properly.  Clogging seems to be an industry wide issue with gel pens, especially if not used regularly.  If your pen has sat unused for any length of time and has clogged, do not throw it away!  You might be able to get it working again.

Methods to unclog your white uni-ball Signo Gel Pen:

1. Run the tip of the gel pen under hot water or dip the tip into boiling water briefly.
2. Rub the tip with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball (alcohol wipes are watered down and might not work as well).
3. Pass the tip of the pen just above the flame of a lighter, candle or match to soften the ink.

After each of these methods, scribble on a piece of scrap paper to break the roller ball free.  Once the ink flows freely again you are ready to go. 

I followed all three of those tips with no luck!  BUT, I am too stubborn to actually throw anything away when there might still be a solution!

So, what did I do?  I took the pens (yes, that's right, I had two of these that were not working) apart and then, I cut off the end of the plastic tube that holds the ink....inserted a paper clip that I had straightened out and I pushed the ink out into a little empty embellishment container.  (do you throw these away after they are empty? Hopefully not)  

I haven't tried to use the ink yet and not sure how I will do it...with a fine tip brush or something?  But, I couldn't just throw the ink away.  I'll be sure to let you know how it turned out.

Remember, to use your Signo Gel Pen, OFTEN, to keep it flowing.

Here are some tips to get the best results from your Signo Gel Pen:

1.  Write gently.  Pressing too hard can mess with the ink flow around the ball of the roller pen.

2.  Remember that there is a short drying time, so to prevent smudging, let your project sit a little bit.

3.  Last but not least, remember to use your pen regularly to avoid clogging!

Hope this helps!! 

Have a Great day and take some time to PawsNStamp!

Char