PREPARATION - Before using the pen, unscrew the black plastic cap and remove the liner from inside the cap. After screwing the cap back on the bottle, take off the clear plastic cover. The black plastic tip has a reasonably small hole which can be used without modifications. If you want to make thicker lines, carefully cut a small piece off the end of the tip with a sharp knife or scissors in order to enlarge the hole.

HOW TO USE THE PENS - Before using the pen on your piece, first shake the pen vigorously and then test the flow by squeezing some of the color out on a piece of paper. This should remove any air bubbles and establish a consistent flow. If the color has become too thick to flow properly, unscrew the black plastic cap and drop 2 or 3 droplets of water into the bottle. Then replace the cap and shake vigorously and test again. When writing, hold the pen tip in contact with the piece.  It makes it easier to control the writing than holding the tip above the piece and dropping the color onto the surface. Do not hold the pen directly vertical while writing because this leaves no gap for the liquid to flow out of.  Hold the pen at an angle to the surface so that there is an opening for the color to flow through.  Because the color is thicker than ink you must write more slowly than with a pen to allow time for the liquid to flow through the tip. You can create a large variety of line thicknesses by varying finger pressure and writing speed.  The harder you press and the slower you write the thicker your lines will be.

HOW TO KEEP THE METAL TIP FROM PLUGGING - The liquid in a Multipen is a form of glass enamel which will harden in the pen tip unless you do something to prevent it. We recommend taking a staple from your stapler and straightening out one end to use as a reamer to push into the metal tip.  It is helpful to leave the staple in the tip when the pen is not in use to prevent clogging.  When you are finished using the pen for the day, the metal tip should be removed from the plastic nipple and the clear plastic cover replaced on the bottle to prevent the pen from drying out.  Also when you have an empty pen you should clean it out and fill it with water.  After you have finished using a metal tip you should screw it onto the pen filled with water and squeeze water through the tip to clean it out. Letting a used tip soak in water will also help prevent hardening and plugging.