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How To Refill
Markers That Last Forever (Seriously)
Four simple maintenance steps keep your AusPen markers writing perfectly for years. No special tools needed.
The Four Rs: Recharge, Refill, Reverse, Replace
Each step extends your marker's life. Learn when and how to do each one.
-
1.
Recharge
When?
Recharge any time you notice the color is less vibrant than usual. Recharges are essential to keep the nib filled with ink, as the nib and reservoir are different densities — meaning the nib soaks up ink slower than the reservoir.What?
Keep your marker dark. A recharge is a quick top-up if you notice mid-sentence that your marker is faded. Simply place 1-2 drops of ink onto the tip of your marker, let it soak in, and keep writing. -
2.
Refill
When?
If recharging isn’t doing the job, you might need a refill. If you unscrew the marker and find white patches around where the nib fits in, this is a great indicator that it’s time for a refill. Many all-day-every-day AusPen users find themselves refilling once a week.What?
Keep the ink feeding from the internal reservoir into the nib. Unscrew the top of the marker, and place enough drops on the reservoir sponge so that there are no white patches, but not so much that it stays shiny or wet. If you add too much, use a cloth to soak up the excess -
3.
Reverse Nib
Reverse Reservoir
When?
When your nib is flattened, fuzzy, or split.What?
All our nibs are double-sided, so if one side is used up, you can flip it to the other side for a brand new nib.When?
When your nib is flattened, fuzzy, or split.What?
All our nibs are double-sided, so if one side is used up, you can flip it to the other side for a brand new nib. -
4.
Replace Nib
Replace Reservoir
When?
When both ends of your nib are flattened, fuzzy, or split. Or when both ends of your reservoir are flattened or mushy. Most reservoirs last 5+ years before needing replacement.What?
Our nibs and reservoirs are replaceable, so you never have to worry about fuzzy, dried out, or leaky markers.When?
When both ends of your nib are flattened, fuzzy, or split. Or when both ends of your reservoir are flattened or mushy. Most reservoirs last 5+ years before needing replacement.What?
Our nibs and reservoirs are replaceable, so you never have to worry about fuzzy, dried out, or leaky markers.
Complete Video Tutorials
Watch detailed guides for every maintenance step.
0:32
How to Refill
0:34
How to Reverse Nibs
0:27
How to Reverse Reservoirs
0:29
How to Replace Nibs
0:57
How to Replace Reservoirs
Quick Decision Guide
Not sure which maintenance step you need? Follow this guide.
Start Here
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Is your marker fading?
Is your marker fading again soon after recharging?
Is the internal reservoir showing white patches?
Is your nib fuzzy or flattened?
Has it been reversed already?
Is your marker leaking or not holding ink?
Check reservoir condition
Mushy / flat
Add 1-2 drops to nib
Add ink to reservoir
Flip nib to fresh side
Reverse or replace reservoir
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Common Issues & Solutions
Dried Out Markers
Left the cap off for a few days? Kept your markers in storage for multiple years? No need to throw them out.
When AusPen markers dry out, it’s because the ink has crystallized in the nib and reservoir. This means that adding more ink won’t bring the nib and reservoir back to life.
Solution:
- If you have Ethanol 100 on hand, add a few drops to the nib and reservoir. This will dissolve the crystals. Then, if you need to add more ink, start slow to make sure the marker doesn’t overflow.
- If you don’t have Ethanol 100, replace the nib.
- Before replacing the reservoir, give both ends a gentle squeeze. Is there any ink rising to the top? You may find that one end has dried out, but the other is fine. If so, just reverse it to the inky end. If it has been more than a few days, you’ll most likely need to replace the reservoir.
Leaky Markers
If your marker is leaking, your reservoir likely needs reversing or replacing.
Solution:
When the top of the reservoir gets mushy or flattened and no longer holds the bottom of the nib snugly, it can no longer feed ink through to the nib effectively. Reverse your reservoir to the fresh side, or replace it if both sides are compromised
Faded Colors
If your colors aren’t as vibrant as they used to be, you probably need a recharge or refill
Solution:
- Quick fix: Add 1-2 drops directly to the nib (recharge)
- Longer-lasting fix: Unscrew and refill the internal reservoir
- If refilling doesn’t help: Your nib may need reversing or replacing
Fuzzy or Split Nibs
Nibs naturally wear down with use, but AusPen nibs are reversible.
Solution:
- First time: Reverse the nib to the fresh side
- Second time: Replace the nib entirely
- Replacement nibs come in packs of 6 (really 12, since they’re double-sided)
How Much Ink to Use
Adding too much ink can cause leaks. Too little and your marker fades quickly.
Solution:
- For recharge: 1-2 drops on the nib
- For refill: Add drops to reservoir until no white patches show, but it shouldn’t stay shiny or wet
- If you add too much: Use a cloth to absorb excess
What to Expect
Here’s how long each component typically lasts with regular use.
Nibs
Several months before needing to be reversed. Double that before replacement.
Reservoirs
5+ years before needing replacement. Reversible for extended life.
Barrel
Built to last indefinitely. Solid aluminium construction means you’ll never need to replace it.
Ink
One $8.25 bottle contains 800 drops. That’s 60+ full refills or hundreds of recharges.
Maintenance Schedule
How often you'll need to maintain your markers depends on how much you use them. Here's what to expect:
| Task List |
Daily Use
Teachers & Heavy Office Use
|
Regular Use
Office Professionals
|
Occasional Use
Individual & Home Use
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Recharge
|
A few times / week
|
Once per week
|
Rarely needed
|
|
Refill
|
Weekly
|
Every 2-3 weeks
|
Monthly or less
|
|
Reverse Nib
|
Every 3-4 months
|
Every 6 months
|
Annually
|
|
Replace Nib
|
Every 6-8 months
|
Annually
|
Every 2+ years
|
|
Reservoir Care
|
Every 5+ years
|
Every 5+ years
|
Every 5+ years
|
