gel pen frustration

[br3n]

dont know if it is just me but i can use the pen one day and the next it starts skipping ,not working,
but!!!!!
i dont know if it works for all of them but it did for one that was an old one that i was using to score with,i had used the inkssentials ink refresher and it got it on the tip of the pen and it started working again and is still working.
br3n

[mswhittaker23]

I have found with my Gelly Roll pens if I stand them with the tip up, not down, they have no skipping/clogging issues at all. I've had a friend stand one of mine tip down and it took a bit to get it working again. Maybe try this if you haven't?

[deborahmegan]

I've had the same problem. I've only used white (not sure if that's the color you're using or not) and I've gone so far as using acrylic paint and a fine tip brush to get the effect I want. Sadly, I haven't used either in a long time. You're not alone!

[binkiemonstermom]

I have some colored gel pens that I got from Michaels, and they have this problem. But the white one that I got from Stampin' Up doesn't. Not sure if there is a quality issue or what. I store mine horizontal in a photo case in my bag.

[eboyd]

I got a bunch from Costco and had the same problem. Even have it with some of my white pens. Where do you get the refresher?

[lindsaymay]

I thinkit is a case of use it or lose it, buy them and use them up, they have a very short shelf like, don't stock up unless you only open one at a time. Some are better than others though, the ranger inksentals white has stayed working well for over a year and I don't use it much.

[chunts]

I found if I put the tip of the pen over a votive candle flame for a second or to the heat thins out the gel. Then give the pen a few hard taps down and start to scribble. Most of the time the pen will start to work. Good Luck.

[Mrs Noofy]

I try to work my pens at least once a week. Just a few circles on some scrap paper to keep the ink flowing. If this doesn't work in the long term then I am giving up..it's just too frustrating..I must have two dozen pens that are junk! But having said that I will try the ink refresher. It certainly works for my old ink pads.

[chocolate lady]

Mrs. Noofy,

I'm not familiar with ink refresher, but you said you use it on ink pads so that caught my attention. Where do you buy this product? Thanks

[eboyd]

I'd like to know also.

[snowmanqueen]

The refresher is made by Ranger and it works great on ink pads and markers haven't tried it on gel pens. I bought my ink refresher on vacation at a craft store in Conn. Check your local craft store, if not Creative Play stamps carries it, here is a link:
Ranger Inkssentials - Ink Refresher :: Creative Play Stamps - Rubber Art Stamps

[mrussom]

I also read somewhere that with gel pens a lighter tough works better for them. They apparently don't like to be pressed down too hard on (but who does!). When mine acts up I try that and it seems to work better.

[eboyd]

thanks I will be visiting relatives in Conn. in December. Where is the craft store?

[snowmanqueen]

A.C. Moore in Orange, CT, that's the store I went to. Hope you find it, I like it. I use it when my stamp pad is really dry, but I also add refill ink.

[snowmanqueen]

I forgot to add I use this to refresh my blender pens. Just take the tips out and lay them in a small plastic plate and spray the refresher on. Let them soak for about 30 minutes.

[uncbballfan]

I've tried the following trick with the Quickie Glue pen, but haven't needed to use it on my gel pens: I pull the barrel (holding the glue) and tip out of the pen; then insert a piece of fun foam into the top of the barrel and push down until it reaches the glue. (The foam needs to fit snugly). Works like a charm! It gets rid of excess air and forces the glue into the tip. Might be worth a try on the gel pens!

[byingst]

I just clicked on the link for Ink Refresher and it said it was no longer available and could not be backordered. :( Sounds like it isn't available anymore. Has anyone been able to find it lately or a similar product?

[Mrs Noofy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by byingst

I just clicked on the link for Ink Refresher and it said it was no longer available and could not be backordered. :( Sounds like it isn't available anymore. Has anyone been able to find it lately or a similar product?

Ha..just when you find a purpose for the stuff...it disappears. I will make sure I use what I have left very sparingly! Thanks

[eboyd]

I wonder if there is a substitute for it.

[Joeknee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by byingst

I just clicked on the link for Ink Refresher and it said it was no longer available and could not be backordered.

Ahh, the Ink Refresher... I went to a stamp show in September and Tim Holtz was doing a demo with this product. What he used it for was to make cardstock feel like really soft leather or cloth. It really did! He didn't use it as an actual "ink refresher" ~ but that's great, double duty! The reason why I had to comment was because this stuff is so hard to find! My friend and I actually drove over an hour to an Archiver's to get the last bottle. As a matter of fact we went to Scrapfest a few weeks ago in MN to their Archivers there and there was only a couple of bottles left. Archivers said that it's hard to keep on the shelves - so maybe order it from their online store.

And since the topic was about gel pens I'll talk about those... I buy the cheapy gel ink pens from our local Family Dollar and they are the best, never had a problem with them. I store them lying down and they always work when I grab for them. They are Inc. Star-Lightz glitter gel pens and they are great!! Now except my white pen from SU! and that I store upright and it is always perfect! HTH ;)

[jeanne3579]

Some great info. here. Will looks for the refresher product when I get to a twon that might have a store that carries it. Thanks, All.

[eboyd]

I'll keep Dollar General in mind. I do a lot of shopping there as they beat Wally world by a mile. I would have to do Archivers on line. With gas prices the way they are I can't decide whether to drive to Michaels or pay postage.

[blueheron]

I live in a small town and I special ordered the Ink Refresher through my local hobby shop. They said it would have to wait until they were placing an order for other things, but it only took about a week and they didn't charge me extra for shipping to the store, or for the special order. All I had to do was pre-pay when I placed the order with them. You might check with your LSS or hobby shop if you have one.

[eboyd]

Alas ours just closed and all we have are Big Box stores except for one of the sales people from the art shop who is starting her own business. i don't know if she can get it.

[Skippet]

If you Google: Ranger Inkssentials - Ink Refresher
There are a lot of stores that carry it. It is available on-line through Amazon, K-Mart, Stuff 4 Scrapbooking, etc.

Prices seem to range from under $3 to over $6 depending on which store. Shipping is extra.

[snowmanqueen]

Sorry about the first post, Ellen Hutson has it in stock. Here's a link:
Product List

[eboyd]

Amazon is one of my favorite places to shop. I'll try there unless Bitsey comes up with it. they discount a lot of Ranger stuff.