If you use your drawing tablet frequently, some wear and tear is inevitable. However, with the right care, you can greatly extend its lifespan and maintain optimal performance.
In this article, we'll share some practical tips to help you care for your drawing tablet, including how to clean your drawing tablet screen, when to change your pen nib, and whether you should turn your drawing tablet off when not in use—especially if you're heavy-handed or use your device daily.
Use a Drawing Glove to Reduce Friction and Oil Transfer
Reducing the friction between your hand and the tablet surface improves both comfort and precision. One of the best tools for this is a drawing glove.
A drawing glove typically covers your pinky and ring fingers, allowing your hand to glide smoothly across the surface without creating resistance. This not only enhances your drawing experience but also prevents skin oils and sweat from transferring to the tablet, which could cause smudges or long-term residue buildup.
Key benefits:
• Less friction, more control
• Reduces smudges and fingerprints
• Keeps the drawing surface cleaner for longer
For digital artists who draw for long hours, a drawing glove can significantly reduce fatigue and protect your drawing tablet's surface finish.
How to Clean Drawing Glove?
You can clean a drawing glove by placing it in the washing machine on a short, gentle cycle. For a more delicate approach, hand washing it in the sink with a small amount of mild detergent is also effective.
Clean Your Tablet Regularly to Prevent Build-up and Surface Damage
Dust, skin oils, and tiny particles can build up on your drawing tablet over time. If not cleaned, these can interfere with pen/stylus detection or even cause scratches when dragged across the surface.
How often should you clean your tablet?
It depends on how dusty it gets and how oily your hands are.
Recommended cleaning schedule:
Light users: once a month
Moderate to heavy users: once a week
How to clean your drawing tablet screen:
To clean your tablet, we suggest using Windex or a display cleaner, and lightly spray a microfiber cloth. Then just gently wipe down the tablet surface, the cable, and the pen.
For safe cleaning, keep the following tips in mind:
• Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol.
• Never pour water directly onto the tablet.
• Clean your pen/stylus regularly, especially the nib area, to prevent transferring dirt back to the tablet.
• Keep your workspace clean, and cover your tablet with a cloth or case when not in use can help prevent dust accumulation.
• The tablet, pen, and accessories are delicate electronic devices, and too much moisture will be harmful to them. Make sure the pen tablet is turned off before cleaning.
Watch Tutorial Video on How to Clean Your Pen Tablet, Pen Display, Quick Keys, and Pens
Replace Pen/Stylus Nibs Regularly to Avoid Surface Scratches
One of the most overlooked aspects of tablet care is maintaining your drawing tablet pen nib. Nibs wear down over time, especially if you apply pressure while drawing. A worn nib may develop sharp edges or become uneven, leading to scratches on your tablet's surface.
Using the right type of nib for your drawing style can reduce friction, protect your screen, and improve pen accuracy.
Types of pen/stylus nibs and their durability:
• Felt nibs: soft and paper-like, great for realistic sketching but wear down faster
• Standard nibs: durable and smooth, ideal for heavy writing and general use
Pro Tip: Inspect your pen nib every 1–2 weeks. If one side is more worn than the other, replace it immediately to avoid damaging your tablet.
How to replace pen stylus nib?
Tool Tip: If nibs are wearing out too quickly, adjust your pen pressure in your Xencelabs application. With softer pen pressure settings, you won't have to press as hard to get darker lines, thus increasing the lifespan of your pen nibs. It is best to store your digital pen in a pen case or pen holder to avoid damage to the stylus.
Watch Tutorial Video on When and How to Replace Your Pen Nib
Store and Handle Your Tablet Properly
It seems like a small thing, but it actually has a huge impact on how well your device will work over time. Just be sure to avoid placing your drawing tablet in areas exposed to: direct sunlight, high humidity and extreme temperatures.
When not in use, store your tablet in a protective tablet sleeve to shield it from dust, moisture, and accidental scratches. Also, avoid placing heavy items on top of your device.
By using a drawing glove, cleaning the surface regularly, replacing nibs before they wear out, and storing your device properly, you can keep your drawing setup in excellent condition for years. Whether you're using a pen display or pen tablet, these care habits not only protect your investment but also enhance your digital art experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my pen tablet or pens need any maintenance?
Yes, a little bit of maintenance is required to keep your pen tablet and pens working in perfect order and to keep them going for many years.
How to maintain your pen tablet, quick keys or drawing pens step by step.
Do I need to clean the surface of the Pen Display 16?
Yes. There is a microfiber cloth with your Pen Display 16. You can use it to clean the screen of the Pen Display 16.
What can I use to clean the surface of my Pen Display 24?
For smudges or fingerprints, you can lightly apply a screen-safe cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the surface.
Avoid spraying liquid directly onto the screen.
Please note that the Pen Display is not a sealed device and is not designed to withstand moisture or external elements in any way.
If you spill liquid onto the Pen Display 24, unplug it quickly and wipe it away using a microfiber cloth.
Never use ammonia-based cleaning products on the Pen Display 24 as ammonia can damage the surface.
Does the Pen Display need a screen protector?
The Pen Display is designed with a type of glass that is resistant to scratches and damage. No screen protector is required or recommended for the Pen Display 24 and a screen protector may also cause significant glare on the display.
Adding anything between the Pen Display surface and the pen can reduce pen performance and cause unwanted drawing issues.
Check your pen nib weekly to ensure it is not sharp or worn down to a point.
Learn more about drawing tablet pen nib care.
Can I use a stylus from another manufacturer with the Xencelabs Pen Tablet?
No. You should use either the 3-Button Pen or the Thin Pen that comes with the Xencelabs Pen Tablet.
I have a scratch on the surface of my tablet. How to fix scratches on drawing tablet or can the surface be replaced?
Please reach out to the Xencelabs Customer Care team for more information at support.xencelabs.com
How to reduce scratches for drawing tablet?
Although Xencelabs pen tablets and pen displays are designed to be scratch-resistant, they can still be scratched if hard metal or other sharp objects come into contact with the surface.
Do not allow hard corners or sharp edges to rub against the surface. Please remove all jewelry and large rings before using the tablet.
When possible, use the protective sleeve and carrying case that comes with your drawing tablet.
Should I turn my Pen Displays off when I'm not using it?
The short answer is yes, most of the time, it’s a good idea to turn it off when you're not using it.
Why turning off your display makes sense?
When you don't need to worry about turning it off
If you still have questions about how to clean a drawing tablet after reading this article, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Xencelabs Customer Care team at support.xencelabs.com
