Chances are, if you're new to using fountain pens, your first one is a Platinum Preppy (or the Platinum Prefounte, the same pen with a bit more sophisticated look or the Plaisir, a beautiful and sturdy aluminium option.) And if you're new, you might be surprised to find that this pen doesn't come with instructions (it's usually sold without any packaging, like the markers by the checkout at Staples!)
So here's a quick run down of the anatomy of this delightful pen and how to use it the first (and many more!) times.
All Platinum Preppy pens have the same general anatomy. So although they may vary in color, design, have slight body difference, the components are the same. You have a cap, which snaps onto the barrel. The grip, which is screwed onto the barrel and covered with the cap. And the cartridge which snaps into the grip and serves as a reservoir for the ink.
Platinum Preppy Pen Cap
The cap has a clip which is colored to match the barrel. You can switch the caps between two different colored Preppy pens to achieve a fun colorblock twin pair, if you'd like! The limited edition Preppy Wa designs have a clear cap and clip. The Prefounte variation is colored to match the body and has a silver metal clip.
The cap snaps on to the body with a satisfying click, so you'll know it's secure. Platinum Preppy cap features their unique signature "Slip & Seal" mechanism. When you cap the pen, the nib (the pointed writing part) rests into the interior cone, paired with a spring, that forms an airtight seal around the nib. This allows it to prevent ink drying out over time. Many fountain pen nibs can dry out with days or weeks of non-use, causing dry starts and a special annoyance when you're trying to make a quick note.
Platinum's Slip & Seal feature has been tested and results show that their fountain pens maintain 40% moisture after 24-months of non-use. I've experienced the same, since I like to rotate through my pen collection. My Platinum pens always write perfectly right away even if it's been several months since I last touched it.
Platinum Preppy Barrel
The Preppy has different barrel designs, depending on which pen you have. The base model fountain pen’s barrel is translucent colored plastic that matches the pen cap. The ink included with the pen will also match the barrel and cap. There are a few variations for other models. The Crystal design has a completely clear barrel and cap. The Preppy Wa limited edition series barrels have beautiful artistic designs on a clear or colored barrel.
The translucent barrels helps you to keep an eye on the ink level and helps you better understand the entire anatomy of the pen. On the base and crystal models, the pen name and barcode are featured prominently on the barrel. In the event that the label bothers you, it can easily be removed with isopropyl alcohol. Use sparingly and do not allow the alcohol to make contact with any part of the grip or nib. Do not use acetone on any part of the pen or it will damage it.
The Prefounte variation and the Preppy Wa do not have labels printed on.
Platinum Preppy Pen Grip
The grip section is clear with a view of the feed, shown here in blue, which on the base model and the Prefounte variant is color matched to match the barrel. The Crystal pen has a black feed and the limited edition Wa pens have a grey feed. The grip is round with a smooth plastic surface that feels comfortable to hold over long periods of time so you can write long letters or uni notes.
Platinum Ink Cartridges
Platinum Preppy pens come with easy install cartridges already inside the barrel. However, they're not installed when they arrive to you and must be installed before use. The inks that come with the Preppy base model pens are bright colors that match the pen body and cap. The black and crystal versions, as well as the Wa designs, come with black ink. The Prefounte variation comes with blue-black ink.
Before you go, let me describe how to install the cartridge and refill your pen.
