Pen type to Use for Signing Wood Carving

[kdispoto]

I believe this subject has been discussed before, but I would like to re-ask it in with the specific problems I am having.

I am looking to find the best type of marking pen to sign my carvings. I typically paint my basswood carvings with acrylic paints - sometime full strength sometimes thinned with water. In the past I have been signing the back of my carving on the paint using a black fine point Sharpie.
The problem I am having is during the finishing stage. I find as I apply various liquid type finishes (i.e. Watco Danish oil, or boiled linseed oil) the black ink will smear.

What is the proper way to do this or should I be using another type of black ink pen?

Thanks in advance - Ken.

ps- I don't own a burner & I prefer not to carve my name.

[Midnight Carver]

I use a "Pilot precise V7" pen. I sign the bottom, so I'm not trying to go over paint, and sign it before dunking it in Danish oil. It hasn't smeared on me yet. Hope that helps

Eric

[markken5889]

Hi Ken,

I use a woodburner. No smearing that!

Mark

[AlArchie]

Check at the art stores and you can find "enamel" pens with two ends, fine point and calligraphy style. These hold up well under surface finishes EXCEPT lacquer...that will disolve the enamel.

I have three types....one a ZIG Scroll Brush pigment ink, one Elmer's Painters ( I have the white) and Speedball Painters from Wall mart in metalic silver and gold ( I think they have other colors, too.)

Al

[brent]

Sometimes burn it in...sometimes Sharpie fine tip.

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by markken5889

Hi Ken,

I use a woodburner. No smearing that!

Mark

Ya, no smearing with a wood burner......that's ALL I've ever used.

[Dicky]

I used to have trouble wrting with a skew tip on wood. I got a ball stylus from Razertip and its almost like using a ballpoint pen.

[kasee]

Hi Ken,
Wait until the final sealer coat has dried them sign with pen. A lot of the sealers we use contain solvents that will smear enamels or permanent inks. I prefer burning when I can for permanence.
Ken

[Claude]

I use the gel pens sold in scrapbooking stores and craft stores. Writes well on top of acrylic paint or just a wash of water-based varnish. I let the ink dry overnight then dab a bit of water-based varnish on it to seal it. I don't drag the brush across the ink, as it will smear...just "sorta pat" the signature with the wet brush.

Claude