How to Clean Acrylograph Pens for Long-Lasting Use
By Bullet Planners & Dot Grid Journals 160gsm pages | Paint Pens | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your Acrylograph paint pens flowing smoothly with this simple cleaning routine. Learn the right way to clear dried ink and avoid common mistakes that ruin the nib.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
