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How to Fix a Dry Promotional Ballpoint Pen
Last Updated: 18 July 2025
Ever handed a client a beautifully branded promotional pen—only for it to fail on first use? That tiny glitch can undercut your entire brand presentation.
Here’s the thing: dry promotional pens are more common than you’d think, especially if they’ve been in storage or exposed to heat during delivery. But good news—it’s usually a minor issue with a quick fix. In this guide, we’ll walk through what causes a ballpoint pen to dry out, how to fix it, and most importantly, how to prevent it, especially if you’re a business distributing custom pens at events, expos, or through client welcome packs.
What Happens When a Ballpoint Pen “Dries Out”?
A dry pen isn’t always an empty one. In most cases, the ink is still there, but it’s stuck or clogged at the tip. Ballpoint pens use a small rolling ball at the tip to distribute oil-based ink. When the pen hasn’t been used in a while, the ink near the ball can harden slightly or get blocked by dust or lint. This is especially true for pens stored in bulk or left uncapped.
If your branded pen writes faintly, skips, or doesn’t write at all, it’s likely just a tip flow issue, not a complete failure.
Why Do Promotional Pens Dry Out?
We’ve sold millions of branded pens across Australia, and here are the top causes we see:
- Storage conditions: Exposure to heat, direct sunlight, or cold temperatures can cause the ink to thicken or dry out.
- Infrequent use: Pens stored for long periods without movement can develop minor clogs.
- Factory residue: Occasionally, leftover oils or dust from manufacturing can block the tip.
- Poor-quality refills: Some lower-grade pens tend to dry up more quickly. At Cubic Promote, we avoid these for a reason.
If you’re giving away pens at a tradeshow, you’ll want to avoid that awkward moment where the recipient says, “It doesn’t work.”
Here’s How to Fix a Dry Ballpoint Pen
If you’re using pens in the office—or getting client feedback about dry pens—try these easy steps before discarding them.
1. Warm the Tip
Hold the pen under warm (not hot) water for 10–15 seconds. This can loosen dried ink and restore flow. For stubborn cases, place the pen in a cup of warm water for 2–3 minutes, tip down.
2. Scribble and Prime
After warming, scribble rapidly on paper or a paper towel. You’re trying to restart the ink flow and remove any blockages at the ball tip. Sometimes, a small tap on a hard surface (with the ball tip down) helps.
3. Check the Refill
Still no luck? Unscrew the barrel and inspect the refill. If it’s dry or hardened inside, replace it. Most promotional pens from Cubic Promote use standard refills, and we keep replacements on hand for clients with large orders.
4. Store It Properly
Avoid future issues by storing pens in a cool, dry place and keeping them capped. For branded event giveaways, we always advise clients to distribute pens as close to the event as possible to avoid environmental exposure.
For Australian Brands, This Isn’t Just About Ink
When you’re handing out promotional pens with your logo, you’re sending a message about quality. A pen that doesn’t work creates friction, even if unintentional.
That’s why we help our clients choose higher-grade pens with tested refills, especially when distributing at conferences, expos, and client onboarding events. It’s not just about branding—it’s about trust and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pen start writing, then fade out?
This is often a sign of a partially blocked ballpoint tip. Try warming the tip and scribbling for longer—if that fails, replace the refill.
Can I use alcohol or cleaning fluids to clear it?
No. Alcohol can damage the pen housing or further dry out the ink. Stick to warm water and gentle pressure.
Should I test pens before handing them out?
If you’re distributing in high volumes, spot-testing 10–20 units per batch is a good practice. We do this for many of our clients before dispatch.
How long do promotional pens last?
Standard refills can write for hundreds of metres. When stored correctly, they’ll work for months. Pens left in direct sun (e.g., in a car or on a windowsill) will dry out faster.
Can Cubic Promote replace dry pens?
We stand by the quality of our products. If you’re noticing recurring issues, contact us—we can troubleshoot, recommend longer-lasting options, or provide replacement refills.
For Bulk Distributors: How to Prevent Dry Promotional Pens
If you’re ordering pens in bulk for campaigns, here’s how to avoid ink issues:
- Choose known brands or tested house models. We’ve curated a list of best-sellers that strike a balance between quality and cost.
- Opt for pens with refillable cartridges, not sealed ones. They’re easier to maintain.
- Ask for pre-event storage advice—especially if your event is outdoors.
- Use them regularly in office environments to reduce drying from inactivity.
Final Thought
Branded pens are still one of the most used promotional products in Australia—and they work, when they work. With a few preventative steps and quick fixes, your business can hand out pens that last, impress, and promote your brand with every stroke.
At Cubic Promote, we supply quality promotional pens at cheap bulk prices with fast delivery across Australia. From Sydney to Perth, Brisbane to Melbourne—we help Aussie businesses put pens into the hands that work. Contact our team today to explore custom branding ideas, request a quote, or arrange a one-on-one meeting.
About the Author
Ariadna Dagaraga is a Production Manager at Cubic Promote, with 11 months of hands-on experience managing branded merchandise orders for clients across Australia. Backed by years in project and account management, she brings sharp attention to detail and strong knowledge of custom branding processes—making her a reliable voice on what works in promotional marketing.
