How to use the Lumos pen
A conventional fineliner, marker or brush pen is usually used until it runs dry or stops working, after which the entire pen is replaced. Tom’s Studio Lumos changes this approach: one durable metal pen can be refilled repeatedly with bottled ink and adapted using eleven interchangeable tips.
Lumos is therefore neither a conventional fountain pen nor an ordinary refillable marker. Depending on the selected tip, it can become a fine fineliner, an everyday writing pen, a fibre-tip marker or a brush pen. It can be used for note-taking, technical drawing, sketching, illustration, colouring and lettering.
As the first retailer in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to offer Tom’s Studio, we are introducing not only the Lumos pens themselves but also compatible inks, replacement tips and reservoirs. The entire system is designed so that individual components can be replaced and the pen can remain in use for years.
How does the Lumos work?
Inside the pen is a removable fibre reservoir. When dipped into ink, the reservoir draws it in through capillary action and gradually delivers it to the fitted tip. It is therefore different from a cartridge, converter or traditional piston-filling mechanism.
The reservoir can be refilled repeatedly with bottled ink. With proper care, it can last a very long time when used with the same colour. Frequent rinsing and colour changes will gradually reduce its ability to absorb ink. Tom’s Studio suggests approximately four to five thorough washes, after which the reservoir can simply be replaced.
Lumos Single or Lumos Duo?
Lumos Single has one working end and one longer reservoir. You use one tip and one ink colour at a time. Change the way the pen writes by replacing the tip, or change the colour by cleaning or replacing the reservoir.
Lumos Duo has two working ends and two independent reservoirs. Each side can hold a different tip, a different ink colour or a combination of both. A practical setup might pair a fine fineliner at one end with a brush tip at the other.
The Single reservoir holds approximately twice as much ink as one Duo reservoir. The Duo is supplied with one cap: for transport, one tip is covered by the cap while the other end is screwed inwards into the centre of the pen.
Explore the Lumos Pro Single
Explore the Lumos Pro Duo
Which inks can be used in the Lumos?
Dye-based fountain pen inks are the best choice. They flow well through the fibre reservoir and fine tips and are generally easy to clean.
The ink must not contain solid shimmer particles or binders such as acrylic or shellac. Shimmer inks, acrylic inks, drawing inks and conventional calligraphy inks should therefore not be used in the Lumos. They may clog the reservoir or tip and cause permanent damage.
An exception is Tom’s Studio No. 60 Pigment Black, which the manufacturer lists as compatible with Lumos pens. When using pigment ink, it is particularly important to cap the pen securely, prevent the ink from drying and clean the tip regularly.
Filling your Lumos for the first time
1. Choose your tip and ink
Select a tip according to whether you want to write, draw precise lines, colour larger areas or create expressive strokes. For your first fill, we recommend a standard dye-based fountain pen ink without shimmer particles.
2. Open the pen
Unscrew the front section containing the tip holder and remove the fibre reservoir. If the holder is tight or slips between your fingers, use the silicone grip supplied with the pen. It improves traction and helps protect the finish.
3. Fill the reservoir
Dip the end of the clean reservoir directly into the ink bottle and allow it to absorb ink for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. The ink does not need to reach the opposite end immediately, as it will continue to spread through the reservoir.
After removing it, gently blot away excess ink with a paper towel. With a small bottle, the ink can also be applied directly to the reservoir using a pipette. Work gradually and avoid allowing ink to enter the threads or pen body.
4. Return the reservoir to the pen
Place the filled reservoir back inside the body. Check that no ink remains on the threads, then screw the tip holder into place firmly but without using excessive force.
5. Insert the selected tip
Fineliner and writing tips are inserted from inside the tip holder, not through the opening at the front. The bullet, chisel and brush tips are inserted from the front.
When removing a tip that already contains ink, use the silicone grip. It provides a better hold and helps keep ink away from your fingers.
6. Allow the ink to reach the tip
After assembling the pen, allow a little time for the ink to travel from the reservoir to the tip. Place the pen horizontally or with the tip angled slightly downwards. Make the first strokes on a piece of scrap paper without applying heavy pressure.
If the ink does not begin to flow, dip the reservoir into the bottle again for a further 10 to 20 seconds and check that it is seated securely.
How should you change and clean the tips?
Each tip changes the way the Lumos writes or draws. When using the same colour, the tip can be changed without cleaning the reservoir. Bear in mind that a small amount of ink may remain inside the previous tip.
Rinse a used tip with lukewarm water. For more thorough cleaning, soak it in warm water with a small amount of mild soap for approximately 30 minutes, then rinse it well. Allow it to dry completely before storing it or using it with a different colour.
Which tip should you choose?
- 0.1 mm fineliner: very fine details, hatching and technical drawing
- 0.2 mm fineliner: precise outlines and small illustrations
- 0.3 mm fineliner: versatile fine drawing and writing
- 0.5 mm fineliner: bolder outlines, sketching and notes
- 0.8 mm fineliner: stronger lines and colouring smaller areas
- 1.0 mm fineliner: bold outlines and graphic strokes
- 0.3 mm writing tip: fine everyday writing with a smoother feel on paper
- 0.5 mm writing tip: smooth, more prominent handwriting
- Bullet fibre tip: colouring, sketching and general marker work
- Chisel fibre tip: broad and narrow strokes, headings and lettering
- Brush tip: variable line width, illustration and brush lettering
Explore the complete set of 11 Lumos tips
How do you change the ink colour?
There are two ways to change colours. You can rinse the tip and reservoir, allow them to dry completely and then fill them with a new ink. Alternatively, use a separate reservoir and tip for each colour that you use regularly.
The second method is faster and reduces repeated cleaning of the fibre reservoir. Filled spare reservoirs and used tips should be stored in a sealed bag or suitable container to prevent them from drying out.
Spare reservoirs for Lumos Single
Spare reservoirs for Lumos Duo and Mini
Cleaning and regular care
When repeatedly using the same dye-based ink, the pen does not need to be disassembled and cleaned after every refill. Regular checks will nevertheless help maintain an even ink flow and prevent dried ink from collecting in the threads.
- rinse the tip and reservoir with lukewarm water
- allow all components to dry thoroughly before filling with a different colour
- check and clean the threads before reassembling the pen
- a very small amount of silicone grease can occasionally be applied to the threads
- store the pen securely capped and horizontally in a cool, dry place
- do not leave pigment ink unused inside the pen for extended periods
What should you do when the Lumos does not write?
The pen has just been filled, but the ink is not flowing:
Check that the reservoir and tip are inserted correctly. Dip the reservoir into the ink again for 10 to 20 seconds and allow a little time for the ink to reach the point after reassembly.
The tip has dried between uses:
Briefly dip only the end of the tip into clean water or wipe it with a damp cloth. Then gently restart the pen on a piece of scrap paper.
The ink flow is weak or inconsistent:
The tip may need cleaning, or the reservoir may have lost some of its absorbency after repeated washing. Rinse the tip and replace the reservoir when necessary.
The tip holder is stuck:
Use the silicone grip supplied with the pen. After cleaning the threads, apply a very small amount of silicone grease to help keep them operating smoothly.
The new colour is mixing with the previous ink:
Some of the original ink remains inside the tip or reservoir. Continue writing until the new colour replaces it, or rinse and dry the components again more thoroughly.
A long-term creative system
The main advantage of the Lumos is not simply that it can be refilled. Interchangeable tips, reservoirs and a wide choice of ink colours allow one tool to adapt to whatever you are creating. A worn tip or reservoir can be replaced without discarding the entire pen.
We recommend the Lumos Single to anyone who mainly uses one favourite tip and appreciates the larger ink capacity. The Lumos Duo is ideal for creative work that involves switching quickly between two tips, two colours or both.