Yeah you always want to apply extra flux, as flux is what make the solder harden into the ideal shape for a joint, which is what you want.

Also... The pencil Iron you bought broke after a single use?

I bought this pencil iron from Plusivo, have had it for over a year, and have never had it break done on me: https://www.amazon.com/Soldering-Iron-Kit-Temperature-Desoldering/dp/B07S61WT16/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1ND4ZTEBSYWDN&keywords=plusivo+soldering+kit&qid=1668473969&sprefix=plusivo%2Caps%2C403&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Plus all the other goodies really make it worth it!

I didn't see the need for a soldering station that was likely to break down due to being made of complete Chinesium and having horrible QC, as that's what makes up that $40-$60 price point on Amazon

As for Soldering Station Care...

Make sure to Tin your tip with solder when you are done with a soldering session, which means to just melt some solder onto the tip, let it roll over and cover the tip, and then let the iron cool down.

This is to protect against tip oxidation while the iron is and isn't in use.

Make sure to regularly dust it though, as dust is the enemy of electronics.

And make sure to keep the station in tip top shape, and wipe it down regularly to prevent anything from leaving stains or getting inside.

And when you run out of solder, grab this good value kit to keep you stocked up (I personally use this solder, it's great): https://www.amazon.com/Solder-Wire-Rosin-Paste-Kit/dp/B07T2MKM23/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2OLF7ENEN5TJ5&keywords=plusivo+solder&qid=1668474658&sprefix=plusivo+solder%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-6

Remember to c lean flux off of your board once your done soldering on them, and that's about it!

(Also maybe get a fume extractor? It keeps the flux smoke from damaging your lungs)

-ND