Using Pen Nibs (care of)

[Asatira]

I am a hobbyist webcomic artist, and I'm working on improving my skills. Right now I'm largely using Copic Multiliners for inking my work, occasionally using a brushpen. I'd like to begin using brushes and dip pens once I get familiar with them (yeah, it'll take a while, but a good skill always is) in addition to the pens I use now.

My question is about the care of dip pens. I just recently got some Zebra Comic Nibs I ordered (http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/cPath/845_782/products_id/4195) and want to make sure I can keep them in good conditions. Long ago I had read in a few places something about having to get rid of film on some nibs, and some burn the nib in a flame for a few seconds. Do I need to do that with these? And how do I clean them?

[Anid Maro]

The nibs I use I just pop into my pen holder right out of the package with no problems. But I have heard that some manufacturers put a protective coating on the nibs that can be removed with a lighter or maybe some rubbing alcohol.

As for taking care of 'em, well they're steel nibs that run about $1 a piece so... yeah, no need to treat them delicately or preciously like brushes. I will occasionally clean off dust/ink/gunk to make sure my ink flows well, and if I've got some stubborn stuff sticking to the nib I'll soak it in some rubbing alcohol and then wipe it down with a rag. That's about it.

[sanakris]

It's been a long time since I thought about nibs. But this article here can help out http://hans.presto.tripod.com/cat017.html

I think wiping your nibs with a cotton rag with windex or glass cleaner would be good. As long as you clean it. But after the basic maintenance of cleaning, I'd be concerned when your nib dulls out a bit. When ink flow isn't as smooth and there is like a tiny v dip on the tip of the nib.

Have fun with the new nibs. :)