How to revive dried Pigma Micron pens: An easy trick that (really) works

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Sakura’s Pigma Micron pens are definitely at the top of the art pen pedestal for me and have been my go-to fineliners for years.

But, they have one major drawback: once the ink goes dry, they’re pretty much ready for the trash can.

However, there is an easy way to extend the life of your fineliner pens with just a few objects you likely have lying around the house.

Discover how to revive Micron pens quickly and effectively in this short tutorial; I’ll walk you through every step!

Affiliate disclosure: Articles on Tiny Workshops may contain affiliate links.

How to revive Micron pens

Learning how to revive Micron pens is very easy; all you need is a little water to make the magic happen.

The process is simple, fast, and inexpensive — and it actually works.

In this tutorial, I’ve shared my preferred approach to reviving Micron pens without having to source new ink or get into lengthy, messy processes.

Before we get into how to revive Micron pens, here’s a lineup of the materials you’ll need:

  • Micron pen(s) you want to revive
  • Sketchbook/paper
  • Tweezers
  • Pliers
  • Dropper
  • A small amount of water
  • Paper towel/cotton cloth

Step 1: Prepare your materials

Materials_how to revive Micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Gather and lay out your materials on your craft table, including your pen(s).

Pigma Micron Sakura pen_How to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

For this tutorial, I used my dried-out 005 (0.2 mm) Pigma Micron pen.

Micron pen scribble_how to revive Micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Before reviving my pen’s ink, I like to scribble or doodle something to have something to compare my results with.

As you can see, my ink was very faint, inconsistent, and no longer a dark black.

Drawing with micron pens_how to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Like most technical pens, Pigma Micron pens are designed to be held at a 90º angle. Therefore, know that holding your pen inadequately may lead to blocked ink flow.

Before trying to revive your pen, make sure to test it at the correct angle to determine whether the issue is the dried ink or your grip.

Step 2: Disassemble your Micron pens

Removing nib with tweezers_how to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

To start unassembling your pen, use a tweezer or pliers to remove the nib from the barrel.

You won’t be able to do this with your fingers since the tips are incredibly delicate and tiny.

Removing micron pen nib with pliers__how to revive Micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Personally, I prefer using pliers. They require less effort and are not as slippery when gripping compared to household tweezers.

However, don’t squeeze too hard with your pliers; you don’t want to bend or break the pen nib!

Removed nib with pliers_how to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Remove the entire nib piece by pulling it out lightly from the barrel.

Separated nib and barrel micron pen_how to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Once the nib piece is removed, place it on the side with your pen barrel.

Step 3: Revive your Micron pens with water

Water and dropper to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Next, grab your water and your dropper.

Dropper with water_how to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Fill up your dropper with water. Note that you’ll only need 2-3 drops of water to revive each pen.

Adding water to micron pen
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Squeeze a couple of drops of water into the pen barrel.

After 2-3 drops, gently tap the bottom of the pen on a surface. This will also help get rid of any bubbles that tend to form at the top of the opening.

Step 4: Reassemble your Micron pens

Reassembling micron pen
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Next, you can begin to reassemble your pen again.

You can put the nib back on your pen manually without the help of pliers or tweezers. Just make sure it’s on tightly.

Step 5: Check the results

Scribbles_how to revive micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

Once fully reassembled, shake your pen a few times and test it out!

Micron pens doodles__how to revive Micron pens
Photo via Stephanie Bento (Tiny Workshops)

For longer-lasting ink flow, store your pens horizontally. Also, avoid storing fineliner pens with caps facing down since this may lead to clogged nibs and leaks.

If the color starts to fade over time, refill your Micron pen with waterproof ink instead of water.


That’s it for this guide on how to revive Micron pens! Feel free to drop questions or suggestions in the comments below.

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