Greetings from Northern Illinois

[KathyK]

Hello everyone, I'm Kathy K. from Illinois. I just started to learn Copperplate calligraphy using an oblique pen a couple of weeks ago. I noticed that my blue pumpkin (Brause 361 Steno) nib had corroded overnight and wanted to know how that happened since I thoroughly wash and dry the nibs and put them away in a box with desiccant. I found a posting on this forum that it may have been the Yasutomo Sumi ink I had just recently purchased (and used for the first time yesterday). Ugh. I guess it's time for a new nib! Anyway, this looks like a great forum to find all sorts of info; thank you for allowing me to join in!

[Erica McPhee]

Hi @KathyK !  So sorry to hear about your nib. Yes, sumi ink can be very corrosive, even if the nib is washed and dried. How did you prepare the nib? Sometimes an over zealous prep can sometimes prematurely allow a nib to corrode.

Let us know if you have any questions as you enter this awesome world of Copperplate! Welcome to Flourish! 

[KathyK]

Thanks Erica! I didn't have a potato, so I used toothpaste (Crest) and a soft toothbrush to wash the nib before use. I saw this trick on "The Postman's Knock" website. What method do you use to get the initial oil off of nibs?

[Erica McPhee]

The toothpaste usually works. But less is more. I always use a flame. I have since 1993 and have never had it ruin a nib or cause any issues. I keep one of those gas grill lighters nearby. 

[brose]

Hi. I'm in IL as well.
One thing I have done with nibs is after a good washoff with water is to do a final wash with rubbing alcohol (ethanol). This should make sure the nib is ever so slightly basic, helping to inhibit corrosion, and will evaporate faster than water giving it less time to rust.