FAQ
Visiting the Shop
When are you open?
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check our Contact page for current hours or call us at 410-939-0504.
Where are you located?
212 N. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 — in the heart of downtown, about a block from the waterfront. See our Visit the Shop page for directions and parking info.
Can I try pens before I buy?
Yes — and we encourage it. The only way to know if a pen works for your hand is to write with it. Come in and we’ll set you up with paper and ink to test anything in the shop.
Do you offer gift wrapping?
We carry gift bags, tissue, ribbon, and wrap in the shop. We’re happy to help you put something together.
Fountain Pens
I’ve never used a fountain pen. Where do I start?
Start simple. The Platinum Plaisir and Kaweco Sport are both excellent first fountain pens — reliable, comfortable, and affordable enough that you’re not taking a big risk. Come in and try them. We’ll walk you through it.
What nib size should I choose?
Medium for most people. It writes smoothly on a wide range of papers, shows ink color well, and is the most forgiving for new users. Fine nibs are great for small handwriting or precise work. Broad nibs lay down more ink and suit people who write with a light touch.
How do I refill a fountain pen with ink?
It depends on the pen, but the two most common methods are:
- Cartridge: Snap in a pre-filled ink cartridge — easy and clean. The downside is you’re limited to the cartridge colors available for your pen.
- Converter: A converter replaces the cartridge and lets you fill from a bottled ink. Insert the converter, submerge the nib in ink, and twist or squeeze the converter to draw ink up. This opens up hundreds of ink colors.
We’re happy to demonstrate either method in the shop. Just ask.
How do I clean a fountain pen?
Flush it with cold water until the water runs clear. For a deeper clean, let it soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Never use hot water or soap — both can damage seals and nib material. If ink has dried inside, a diluted pen flush solution works well. We carry pen flush in the shop.
My fountain pen is skipping or hard-starting. What do I do?
Usually this means the pen needs a cleaning — dried ink in the feed is the most common culprit. Flush thoroughly with cold water and try again. If skipping persists, the nib may need a minor adjustment. Bring it in and we’ll take a look.
What ink do you recommend for everyday writing?
J. Herbin and Diamine are both excellent everyday inks — well-behaved, reliable, and available in a wide range of colors. We carry both in the shop. Stop in to see the colors in person before you commit to a bottle.
Paper
What makes paper “fountain pen friendly”?
Fountain pen ink is water-based and wetter than ballpoint ink, which means it needs paper that can absorb it without spreading (feathering) or soaking through to the other side (bleed-through). Fountain pen friendly papers are typically smoother, denser, and made from higher-quality pulp. Look for papers rated 80gsm or higher from brands like Rhodia, Clairefontaine, Tomoe River, and Paperblanks — all of which we carry.
Will fountain pen ink work on regular copy paper?
It will write, but you’ll likely see feathering and bleed-through, especially with wetter inks or broader nibs. If you’re testing a new pen, regular paper is fine. For journaling, letters, or anything you want to look good, use quality paper — it makes a noticeable difference.
What notebook paper is best for fountain pens?
Rhodia and Clairefontaine are the workhorses — smooth, bleed-resistant, and widely available. Tomoe River paper is thinner but handles ink beautifully and shows shading and sheen exceptionally well. Paperblanks journals use quality paper that performs well with most fountain pens.
Orders & Returns
Do you sell online?
Yes — you’re on our online store now. We ship across the US. Some items are in-store only due to fragility or limited stock, so if you’re looking for something specific, call or email us and we’ll let you know what’s available.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns on unused, unopened items within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Opened inks and used pens cannot be returned, but if something is defective we’ll make it right. Contact us at info@glyphdg.com or call 410-939-0504.
Do you offer custom stationery or design services?
Yes. We offer custom design and letterpress printing for weddings, special events, and other occasions — invitations, save-the-dates, place cards, menus, programs, and more. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Still have a question?
Call us at 410-939-0504 or email info@glyphdg.com. We’re happy to help.