If you’re a crafter, there’s a good chance that you own a Cricut machine. These machines are hugely popular for their ability to help users create professional-looking projects with ease. One question that always seems to come up is whether or not the pens used in Cricut machines dry out over time.
Cricut Pens can dry out over time. They use water-based ink, which may eventually evaporate if they’re not properly sealed. Therefore, it’s crucial to store them in a cool, dry place to prevent this from happening.
This article will discuss the durability of Cricut pens. Plus, I’ll give you tips on keeping your pens in good shape for as long as possible. So read on if you want to learn more!
How Long Do Cricut Pens Last?
To get the most out of your Cricut pen, store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. With proper care, your Cricut pen should last for many projects to come.
On average, Cricut pens will last up to four letter-sized pages of drawing and writing. If you use your pen frequently, you may need to replace it more often than if you only use it occasionally. Likewise, storing a Cricut pen in a humid environment can shorten its lifespan.
Why Is My Cricut Pen Not Writing?
If your Cricut pen is not writing, it could be due to the following reasons:
- The pen is not inserted correctly.
- There is no ink in the pen.
- Your Cricut machine is not calibrated.
- Your Cricut machine needs a software update.
I’ll describe each of these reasons below:
The Pen Is Not Inserted Correctly
If you’re having trouble getting your Cricut pen to write, the first thing you should check is that the pen is inserted correctly. The pen should fit snuggly into the housing and click into place.
If it’s not seated correctly, the machine may not recognize the pen or may not be able to apply enough pressure to cut through paper. If the pen still isn’t working after checking that it’s properly seated, try restarting your Cricut machine.
There Is No Ink in the Pen
If your pen is seated correctly but still not writing, the ink may have dried out. Cricut pens use water-based ink, so they can dry out over time.
As a result, it’s essential to store your Cricut pens in a cool, dry place when not in use. You can also try running the pen under warm water for a few seconds to re-wet the ink. If neither of these solutions works, you’ll need to replace the pen.
Your Cricut Machine Is Not Calibrated
If your Cricut machine is not correctly calibrated, it may have trouble cutting through paper or may not register the pen correctly. To check if your machine needs to be calibrated, follow these steps:
- Open the Cricut Design Space software
- Click on the “Help” menu.
- Select “Calibrate Machine.”
- If the calibration wizard appears, follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your machine.
Your Cricut Machine Needs a Software Update
If you’re still having trouble getting your Cricut pen to work, it may be due to a software issue. To check for updates, follow these steps:
- Open the Cricut Design Space software.
- Click on the “Help” menu.
- Select “Check for Updates.”
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
After completing these steps, try using your Cricut pen again.
What To Do if Your Cricut Pen Runs Out of Ink
If your Cricut pen runs out of ink, you can purchase a replacement pen from the Cricut website or a craft store. Be sure to select a pen that is compatible with your Cricut machine.
Once you have a new pen, follow these steps to install it:
- Remove the old pen from the machine.
- Unscrew the cap from the new pen.
- Insert the new pen into the machine, ensuring it clicks into place.
- Screw the cap back on.
How Can I Prevent My Cricut Pens From Drying Out?
Here are a few ways to prevent your Cricut pens from drying out:
- Store your pens in a cool, dry place.
- Ensure the pen caps are tightened when not in use.
- Use a pen stand to keep your pens upright.
- Invest in a Cricut pen holder.
Here’s a rundown of each of these tips:
Store Your Pens in a Cool, Dry Place
One of the main reasons Cricut pens dry out is exposure to heat and humidity. To prevent this, store your pens in a cool, dry place when not in use.
A temperature-controlled environment will help prevent the ink from drying out, and keeping the pen out of direct sunlight will help prevent the ink from fading.
A cabinet or cupboard is an excellent example of a cool, dry place to store your Cricut pens. Likewise, a portable option like this Luxja Carrying Bag from Amazon.com may come in handy. Thanks to its well-padded interior and water-resistant nylon exterior, it provides incredible protection for your Cricut pens and other supplies.
Ensure the Pen Caps Are Tightened When Not in Use
It’s also essential to ensure that the pen caps are tightened when not in use. This will help to prevent the ink from drying out.
Notably, capping your pen correctly prevents air from getting in and drying out the ink. It’s also good to store your pens with the tip facing down so that the ink doesn’t run out.
Use a Pen Stand To Keep Your Pens Upright
Another way to prevent your Cricut pens from drying out is to use a pen stand. This will keep your pens upright and prevent them from tipping over and spilling ink. A pen stand also helps keep the pens organized, making it easy to find the one you need.
Tip: If you don’t have a pen stand, you can also use a coffee mug or cup to keep your pens upright.
Invest in a Cricut Pen Holder
Another way to prevent your Cricut pens from drying out is to invest in a pen holder. This is a great way to keep your pens organized and protected when not in use.
Most quality pen holders are made from durable materials like plastic or metal and have a foam insert that helps to keep the pens in place. Some Cricut pen holders also have a lid to further protect your pens from dust and debris.
Final Thoughts
In short, Cricut pens can dry out over time if they are not stored properly. To prevent this, store your pens in a cool, dry place and make sure the pen caps are tightened when not in use.
Additionally, using a pen stand or investing in a Cricut pen holder can also help to keep your pens in good condition. By following these tips, you can be sure that your Cricut pens will last a long time. However, if your pen runs out of ink, you can always purchase a replacement from the Cricut website or a craft store.
Be sure to check out some other nifty functional craft ideas through our other posts here on Craft-ILY as well as checking out some videos on DIY and How To’s over on YouTube. Look for “Crafting Unedited” or just click the name in blue to see!