Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12

Thread: Pen for Signing Photographs

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Stevenson Ranch, CA
    Posts
    46

    Pen for Signing Photographs

    I usually sign the mats, but I just sold 2 very large prints which cannot be matted so my client would like me to sign right on the photograph. I have a couple of Sharpie pens. Can I use these to sign on the print? If not, can someone please recommend a pen that I can use and tell me where to buy it? Thanks!

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    100

    Pen for Signing Photographs

    Graphite pencil or this
    jbhogan

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    100

    Pen for Signing Photographs

    PS: Nein Sharpie, unless it is on a label pasted to the backside of your Non-Paper archival mount, ie: plexi, sintra, aluminum, etc.
    jbhogan

  4. #4
    Resident Heretic Bruce Watson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    USA, North Carolina
    Posts
    3,362

    Pen for Signing Photographs

    No. Not Sharpies. Not archival. Will fade.

    What you want is an acid-free, lead-free, archival (light fast) pigment pen. Solvent based is probably better for most surfaces - you don't want to use a water-based paint on a gelatin surface as it will probably swell the gelatin and mar the finish.

    I use one called "DecoColor" made by Uchida of America Corp. out of Torrance CA USA. Most hobby/craft/art supply type stores carry them:

    http://www.uchida.com/what/deco/deco.htm#300

    Bruce Watson

  5. #5
    Founder QT Luong's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 1997
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    2,337

    Pen for Signing Photographs

    I use Pigma micron pens from Sakura color products. The ink is pigmented and archival. I get mine at Michael's, a chain craft store.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Calgary Alberta
    Posts
    80

    Pen for Signing Photographs

    I also use "Pigma Microns" for signing my prints. Other times i use silver or gold depending on the print background tonality using "dip pens".

    Speedball is a major player in archival inks and there is french manufacturer that produces high quality inks also ( can't recall their name ).

    David Crossley/Crossley Photography....

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Posts
    217

    Pen for Signing Photographs

    India Ink with a calligraphy pen.

  8. #8

    Re: Pen for Signing Photographs

    Sakura Gelly Roll pens are excellent for photo signing. They are pigmented acrylic, and dry almost instantly.

    Buck Lovell

  9. #9
    lenser's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Tim from Missouri
    Posts
    1,698

    Re: Pen for Signing Photographs

    Not ink or pigment, but Veach Development used to market a heated pen with either silver or gold foil for signing prints. Still have mine after thirty some years and it works fine. You might try Googling them for info on this and their gold stamp machines.
    "One of the greatest necessities in America is to discover creative solitude." Carl Sandburg

  10. #10

    Re: Pen for Signing Photographs

    Quote Originally Posted by lenser View Post
    Not ink or pigment, but Veach Development used to market a heated pen with either silver or gold foil for signing prints. Still have mine after thirty some years and it works fine. You might try Googling them for info on this and their gold stamp machines.
    I believe this is the current version of your pen:

    http://www.veachco.com/goldriter_pen.htm

Similar Threads

  1. pens for signing photographs
    By brian steinberger in forum Business
    Replies: 31
    Last Post: 1-Aug-2010, 13:13
  2. Signing Epson PL Paper
    By Kevin Klazek in forum Business
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 13-Jul-2010, 13:52
  3. signing your finished prints
    By brian steinberger in forum Business
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 29-Jun-2005, 13:38
  4. Signing Limited Editions
    By Alan Davenport in forum On Photography
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 13-Nov-2003, 16:43
  5. Best pen/pencil for signing prints.
    By Yaakov Asher Sinclair in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 6-Nov-1999, 20:39

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •